Studio 5a Guidebook
Sightseeing
Queen Elizabeth Park, Whareroa Farm and Beach
A short walk south along the beach to access walking, cycling and horse riding trails through sand dunes. Picnic areas, Tramway Museum, WWII Marines displays, wetlands and a kahikatea forest remnant. The lagoon provides birdwatchers with the opportunity to see a wide variety of wetland birds including white face heron, dabchicks, pied stilts, swallows, NZ scaup, brown teal, mallard & grey duck, paradise duck, black swan, Canadian geese, pukeko, and the occasional spoonbill or bittern.
Road access from Mackays Crossing exit off SH1: at the roundabout the entrance to Whareroa Farm is on the left after Emerald Glen Road (walking/biking tracks), or continue under the expressway overbridge and railway for access to QE II Park
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de la Reina Isabel
Queen Elizabeth Park, Whareroa Farm and Beach
A short walk south along the beach to access walking, cycling and horse riding trails through sand dunes. Picnic areas, Tramway Museum, WWII Marines displays, wetlands and a kahikatea forest remnant. The lagoon provides birdwatchers with the opportunity to see a wide variety of wetland birds including white face heron, dabchicks, pied stilts, swallows, NZ scaup, brown teal, mallard & grey duck, paradise duck, black swan, Canadian geese, pukeko, and the occasional spoonbill or bittern.
Road access from Mackays Crossing exit off SH1: at the roundabout the entrance to Whareroa Farm is on the left after Emerald Glen Road (walking/biking tracks), or continue under the expressway overbridge and railway for access to QE II Park
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve is a nature and wildlife reserve in Waikanae, approximately 16 km north via the Expressway or Old Main Road. In addition to offering a sanctuary for native birds and other animals, the 14 hectare reserve preserves the largest remnant of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kapiti Coast. Nocturnal House with brown kiwi; native birds in walk-through aviaries Watch or participate in feeding endangered long-fin eels; also native geckos and tuatara. 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily.
Entrance $15 adult (Gold card $12).
Check the website for guided tours and experiences
(e.g. Kiwi Encounter: Thursday/Saturday nights).
Nga Manu Reserve Road
Nga Manu Reserve RoadNgā Manu Nature Reserve is a nature and wildlife reserve in Waikanae, approximately 16 km north via the Expressway or Old Main Road. In addition to offering a sanctuary for native birds and other animals, the 14 hectare reserve preserves the largest remnant of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kapiti Coast. Nocturnal House with brown kiwi; native birds in walk-through aviaries Watch or participate in feeding endangered long-fin eels; also native geckos and tuatara. 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily.
Entrance $15 adult (Gold card $12).
Check the website for guided tours and experiences
(e.g. Kiwi Encounter: Thursday/Saturday nights).
Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve protects a mosaic of freshwater lakelets, saltwater lagoons, marshes, tidal sand flats and sandy beach spit at the mouth of the Waikanae River. More than 60 species of bird breed here, including banded dotterel, NZ dotterel, Australasian coot, pukeko, dabchick, fernbirds, and variable oystercatchers. Flocks of white-fronted terns, shags, and gulls roost on the beach while migratory birds such as godwits and knots occasionally visit. Royal spoonbills have nested on Kapiti Island since the early 1990s, and up to a dozen may be seen roosting a short distance up the river. They regularly visit the lower estuary and nearby lagoons to feed in the shallow waters together with white-faced herons. Pied shags nest in Macrocarpa trees alongside the Waimanu Lagoons. Access the estuary from Otaihanga; or from Waikanae for Waimanu Lagoons and the sandspit.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve protects a mosaic of freshwater lakelets, saltwater lagoons, marshes, tidal sand flats and sandy beach spit at the mouth of the Waikanae River. More than 60 species of bird breed here, including banded dotterel, NZ dotterel, Australasian coot, pukeko, dabchick, fernbirds, and variable oystercatchers. Flocks of white-fronted terns, shags, and gulls roost on the beach while migratory birds such as godwits and knots occasionally visit. Royal spoonbills have nested on Kapiti Island since the early 1990s, and up to a dozen may be seen roosting a short distance up the river. They regularly visit the lower estuary and nearby lagoons to feed in the shallow waters together with white-faced herons. Pied shags nest in Macrocarpa trees alongside the Waimanu Lagoons. Access the estuary from Otaihanga; or from Waikanae for Waimanu Lagoons and the sandspit.
Kapiti Island is a predator-free bird sanctuary. Rare birds such as kākā, kōkako, takahē, and stitch bird (hihi) can be seen, as well as tui, weka, bellbirds, and wood pigeons (kereru) in abundance. There are walking tracks through the dense forest and to the top of the 521 m peak for panoramic views. Access is by approved tour operators only. At the north end, walks maybe limited during summer due to Royal Spoonbill and seagull nesting along the coast.
Ferries depart Paraparaumu Beach (5 km north) around 9.00 am. Bookings recommended, especially for the popular summer season, and need to be made in advance. The kaka can be very cheeky so the Department of Conservation (DOC) require that all food is kept in sealed containers. Open bags of food are not allowed on the island. Prices vary seasonally – check online.
(Limited to 160 visitors per day; Weather dependant)
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kapiti Island
Kapiti Island is a predator-free bird sanctuary. Rare birds such as kākā, kōkako, takahē, and stitch bird (hihi) can be seen, as well as tui, weka, bellbirds, and wood pigeons (kereru) in abundance. There are walking tracks through the dense forest and to the top of the 521 m peak for panoramic views. Access is by approved tour operators only. At the north end, walks maybe limited during summer due to Royal Spoonbill and seagull nesting along the coast.
Ferries depart Paraparaumu Beach (5 km north) around 9.00 am. Bookings recommended, especially for the popular summer season, and need to be made in advance. The kaka can be very cheeky so the Department of Conservation (DOC) require that all food is kept in sealed containers. Open bags of food are not allowed on the island. Prices vary seasonally – check online.
(Limited to 160 visitors per day; Weather dependant)
The Paekakariki Escarpment Track (10 km) extends from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay Station. Park at Paekakariki station, walk the track to Pukerua Bay and catch a train back to your car (and the local cafés). The track begins 750 m south of Paekakariki, at the State Highway rail over-bridge. After 2 km of flat/undulating path, there is a steep 200 m climb with many steps, before the route follows along the ridge.
After the lookout point, the track descends with more steps (down and up), and two swing bridges.
Allow 3 - 4 hours for the one-way trip. Some sections are very exposed and very steep with no handrails – definitely not for people afraid of heights. Moderate level of fitness required and be prepared for changing weather.
The less adventurous can take a 2.5 km walk from Paekakariki along the escarpment as far as the Ngā Uruora Lizard Protection and Habitat Restoration project in the former quarry (60 minutes return). The Lizard project features intensive trapping of pests, especially mice, rats, and mustelids. The Lizard Habitat Restoration Project is funded by WWF New Zealand with additional funding for pest control from the Kapiti Coast Biodiversity Project.
For a shorter walk take the Kohekohe Loop track (45 minutes return) near the Paekakariki entrance. As well as the spectacular views, keep an eye out for whales, orcas and other dolphins along the coast.
Although steep in places, the loop track provides a unique walk through coastal kohekohe forest and there is a good lookout at the top.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Escarpment Walkaway
State Highway 1The Paekakariki Escarpment Track (10 km) extends from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay Station. Park at Paekakariki station, walk the track to Pukerua Bay and catch a train back to your car (and the local cafés). The track begins 750 m south of Paekakariki, at the State Highway rail over-bridge. After 2 km of flat/undulating path, there is a steep 200 m climb with many steps, before the route follows along the ridge.
After the lookout point, the track descends with more steps (down and up), and two swing bridges.
Allow 3 - 4 hours for the one-way trip. Some sections are very exposed and very steep with no handrails – definitely not for people afraid of heights. Moderate level of fitness required and be prepared for changing weather.
The less adventurous can take a 2.5 km walk from Paekakariki along the escarpment as far as the Ngā Uruora Lizard Protection and Habitat Restoration project in the former quarry (60 minutes return). The Lizard project features intensive trapping of pests, especially mice, rats, and mustelids. The Lizard Habitat Restoration Project is funded by WWF New Zealand with additional funding for pest control from the Kapiti Coast Biodiversity Project.
For a shorter walk take the Kohekohe Loop track (45 minutes return) near the Paekakariki entrance. As well as the spectacular views, keep an eye out for whales, orcas and other dolphins along the coast.
Although steep in places, the loop track provides a unique walk through coastal kohekohe forest and there is a good lookout at the top.
KAPITI MUSEUMS
Southward Car Museum (Otaihanga)
Open 9.00 am - 4.30 pm everyday. Sir Len Southward began collecting cars in 1956 when he purchased a Model T Ford for £40. This vehicle was the start of what became one of the largest privately owned car collections in the world, now comprising over 400 vehicles, as well as motorbikes and three aircraft. Located on Otaihanga Road, Otaihanga, just north of Paraparaumu. (8 km from Rosetta Road) Adult $20, Child $5.
Paekakariki Station Museum
Open Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays or by prior arrangement. 11.00 am – 3.00 pm. Artifacts relating to the history of both Māori and European settlement of Paekakariki and surrounding area, the history of rail in the area and the encampment of thousands of US Marines near MacKays Crossing during World War II. Free admission.
Steam Incorporated (Paekakariki)
Based at Paekakariki, Steam Incorporated is devoted to the restoration, maintenance of steam and diesel locomotives together with a fleet of heritage carriages that are regularly operated on the main line. Usually open Monday to Saturday with the main work-days being Saturdays and Thursdays. At these times working members are busy restoring and maintaining railway equipment and machinery, and visitors are welcome to look around the site. Free car parking is available a short walk away at Paekakariki. Free admission.
Wellington Tramway Museum (QE II Park)
Open 11.00 am - 4.30 pm Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays (except Christmas Day). The last tram departs for the beach at 4.00 pm. Also open daily from Boxing Day to late January and limited hours on weekdays in some school holidays. Trams run from the Queen Elizabeth Park entrance at Mackays Crossing for 2 km to Whareroa Beach. Adult $12, Child $6.
Kapiti Aviation Museum
(Paraparaumu Beach)
Open Sunday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Located on Kapiti Road in the old Meteorological Building next to the old Paraparaumu Airport Control Tower. The museum overlooks the airfield runways and offers an introduction to New Zealand’s airliner history, illustrated through reproduced photographs, models and collections of memorabilia from the flights themselves. Admission by donation.
Kapiti Coast Museum (Waikanae)
Open 1.00 - 4.00 pm Friday; 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturday, Sunday and some Public Holidays. Housed in the old Waikanae Post Office, 9 Elizabeth Street. Extensive displays of everyday life from the pioneering era. (12 km from Rosetta Road). Free admission.
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Southward Car Museum
Otaihanga RoadKAPITI MUSEUMS
Southward Car Museum (Otaihanga)
Open 9.00 am - 4.30 pm everyday. Sir Len Southward began collecting cars in 1956 when he purchased a Model T Ford for £40. This vehicle was the start of what became one of the largest privately owned car collections in the world, now comprising over 400 vehicles, as well as motorbikes and three aircraft. Located on Otaihanga Road, Otaihanga, just north of Paraparaumu. (8 km from Rosetta Road) Adult $20, Child $5.
Paekakariki Station Museum
Open Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays or by prior arrangement. 11.00 am – 3.00 pm. Artifacts relating to the history of both Māori and European settlement of Paekakariki and surrounding area, the history of rail in the area and the encampment of thousands of US Marines near MacKays Crossing during World War II. Free admission.
Steam Incorporated (Paekakariki)
Based at Paekakariki, Steam Incorporated is devoted to the restoration, maintenance of steam and diesel locomotives together with a fleet of heritage carriages that are regularly operated on the main line. Usually open Monday to Saturday with the main work-days being Saturdays and Thursdays. At these times working members are busy restoring and maintaining railway equipment and machinery, and visitors are welcome to look around the site. Free car parking is available a short walk away at Paekakariki. Free admission.
Wellington Tramway Museum (QE II Park)
Open 11.00 am - 4.30 pm Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays (except Christmas Day). The last tram departs for the beach at 4.00 pm. Also open daily from Boxing Day to late January and limited hours on weekdays in some school holidays. Trams run from the Queen Elizabeth Park entrance at Mackays Crossing for 2 km to Whareroa Beach. Adult $12, Child $6.
Kapiti Aviation Museum
(Paraparaumu Beach)
Open Sunday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Located on Kapiti Road in the old Meteorological Building next to the old Paraparaumu Airport Control Tower. The museum overlooks the airfield runways and offers an introduction to New Zealand’s airliner history, illustrated through reproduced photographs, models and collections of memorabilia from the flights themselves. Admission by donation.
Kapiti Coast Museum (Waikanae)
Open 1.00 - 4.00 pm Friday; 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturday, Sunday and some Public Holidays. Housed in the old Waikanae Post Office, 9 Elizabeth Street. Extensive displays of everyday life from the pioneering era. (12 km from Rosetta Road). Free admission.
Neighbourhoods
Paraparaumu
(translation: Earth Oven) is the administrative and retail centre for Kāpiti with the Civic Centre, library, Coastlands Shopping Mall. Aquatic Centre, car wash, fast food, cafés, laundromat and large format stores. Multi-screen cinema, and food court within the shopping complex.
Raumati is Māori for summertime.
For a small place, Raumati Beach village has a surprising number of speciality shops selling fashion, antiques, home wares, gifts and books. There are also quality eateries with sushi, a bakery, cafés, a restaurant, bar and pub to choose from.
Raumati South is a quiet haven away from all that.
o Raumati South Four Square Dairy/ Food market:
o Southend Takeaways: Thai, Fish and Chips, Fast Food etc.
o Raumati Social Club: Licensed Café (Brunch & Lunch)
o Sunday Cantina: Licensed Café – Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free; Cabinet & full menu options.
o Café Rosetta: (Brunch & lunch) Located on Rosetta Road, 600m north
o Raumati Beach Shops – 2 km north on Rosetta Road: Cafés, dairy, tavern, takeaways (Seafood, Malaysian, Sushi, Thai etc.), laundromat, bakery, clothing shops, bike shop, bottle shop, pharmacy, children’s playground, miniature railway.
o Paraparaumu Beach Shops – 5km drive via Rosetta Road/Matatua Road/Marine Parade: Restaurants, cafés, takeaways, shops, dairy, Asian food market, discount petrol, Saturday Farmers Market (8.00 am – 12.00 noon), children’s play area, golf course, boatclub, Kapiti Island ferry.
Nearest Supermarkets and Shopping Centers:
Coastlands Mall: (Countdown (Woolworths), Pak ‘n Save, Department stores, Movie theatre, Pharmacy, Emergency Doctor, Laundromat), Railway Station, Carwash etc. located at Paraparaumu – 5km drive via Old Main Road.
Kapiti Road: (New World, Mitre 10, Bin Inn). Fresh fish – Waikanae Crab (Manchester St off Te Roto Drive Thursday/Friday catch permitting), or Starfish (Te Roto drive) – 6km drive via Paraparaumu or Paraparaumu Beach
Raumati South
Paraparaumu
(translation: Earth Oven) is the administrative and retail centre for Kāpiti with the Civic Centre, library, Coastlands Shopping Mall. Aquatic Centre, car wash, fast food, cafés, laundromat and large format stores. Multi-screen cinema, and food court within the shopping complex.
Raumati is Māori for summertime.
For a small place, Raumati Beach village has a surprising number of speciality shops selling fashion, antiques, home wares, gifts and books. There are also quality eateries with sushi, a bakery, cafés, a restaurant, bar and pub to choose from.
Raumati South is a quiet haven away from all that.
o Raumati South Four Square Dairy/ Food market:
o Southend Takeaways: Thai, Fish and Chips, Fast Food etc.
o Raumati Social Club: Licensed Café (Brunch & Lunch)
o Sunday Cantina: Licensed Café – Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free; Cabinet & full menu options.
o Café Rosetta: (Brunch & lunch) Located on Rosetta Road, 600m north
o Raumati Beach Shops – 2 km north on Rosetta Road: Cafés, dairy, tavern, takeaways (Seafood, Malaysian, Sushi, Thai etc.), laundromat, bakery, clothing shops, bike shop, bottle shop, pharmacy, children’s playground, miniature railway.
o Paraparaumu Beach Shops – 5km drive via Rosetta Road/Matatua Road/Marine Parade: Restaurants, cafés, takeaways, shops, dairy, Asian food market, discount petrol, Saturday Farmers Market (8.00 am – 12.00 noon), children’s play area, golf course, boatclub, Kapiti Island ferry.
Nearest Supermarkets and Shopping Centers:
Coastlands Mall: (Countdown (Woolworths), Pak ‘n Save, Department stores, Movie theatre, Pharmacy, Emergency Doctor, Laundromat), Railway Station, Carwash etc. located at Paraparaumu – 5km drive via Old Main Road.
Kapiti Road: (New World, Mitre 10, Bin Inn). Fresh fish – Waikanae Crab (Manchester St off Te Roto Drive Thursday/Friday catch permitting), or Starfish (Te Roto drive) – 6km drive via Paraparaumu or Paraparaumu Beach
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Local Transport notes
Local bus: (Route 250) Bus stop 1465 – near #6 over the road: 15 minutes by bus to Paraparaumu Station and Shopping Centre. (Seven minutes by car).
Regional commuter train: Wellington 50 minutes by rail (Check Metlink updates for delays/weather cancellations/bus replacements).
Driving: 35-40 minutes by car to Wellington CBD via Transmission Gully expressway; add 5-10 minutes for the coastal route via Paekakariki & Paremata (During rush hour, allow 1-1.5 hours drive time to Wellington from Raumati South between 6:00 & 8:00 am & returning between 4:00 & 6:00pm)