Paraparaumu
![](img/ce5c9cb9068aad384c4317a0e16b2664.jpeg)
Understand
Get in
By car
It's a 40 to 90 min drive from the nearest cities of Palmerston North and Wellington.By train
Tranz Metro suburban trains run regularly (generally 1 or 2 every hour) from Wellington on the Kapiti Line, which terminates one stop further on at Waikanae. It takes 69 minutes from Wellington to Paraparaumu.
Tranzscenic has long-distance trains three times per week that start from Auckland.
By bus
InterCity operates several daily scheduled bus services throughout this region and most backpacker buses stop here.By plane
Kapiti Coast Airporthas Air Chathams flights from Auckland, and Sounds Air flights across Cook Strait from Nelson and Blenheim. The nearest other airports are at Palmerston North and Wellington.
Get around
Mana Coach Service provides a bus service between Paraparaumu and Paraparaumu Beach to Coastlands and the railway station to get you where you need to go. There is an hourly bus from Raumati to Paraparaumu, which takes 10 minutes. There is also a local taxi service available.
See
-
phone: +64 4 297-1221address: Otaihanga RdThe largest private collection of cars and motorbikes in New Zealand, with over 200 cars
-
address: MacKays Crossing Entrance, Queen Elizabeth Park, PaekakarikiA short section of track is used to run trams dating from the 1920s and 1930s, and these operated in Wellington until 1964.
Statue of Our Lady of LourdesA 14m-high statue of the Madonna looking over the town from a hill behind the railway station. The statue was commissioned in 1958. Although there is a track up to the statue, the surroundings are not inspiring and it may be best to view from a distance.
Do
-
address: 376 Kapiti Rd, Paraparaumu BeachCourse designed in 1949 which has been used for the New Zealand Open several times. Dress code applies
-
Marine Gardens
address: RaumatiHome to Kapiti Miniature Railway, which offers train rides for the kids, indoor swimming pool complex open all year round and the outdoor playground and paddling pool. The gardens are a nice area to have a picnic and let the kids run around. -
address: RaumatiOpened by Queen Elizabeth II during the 1953 royal visit, this large coastal park has dunes and grassland.
Paraparaumu BeachParaparaumu Beach is the gateway to Kapiti Island where the visitors and locals come to catch their boat to the world famous nature reserve. The Kapiti Island visit is an experience and one that can be made even more alluring because of seasonal weather making it inaccessible. Sheltered by the island, the popular yet unspoilt beach is a safe haven for children to play, build sandcastles, and swim. A neat children's playground and a challenging skate park for the older ones make boredom here a slim chance.
Kapiti Island
DOC permits are required to visit Kapiti Island. These are included in the price of ferry tickets, and you are not allowed to visit in your own boat. Biosecurity measures include bag inspections before departure.-
Kapiti Explorer & Marine Charter
phone: +64 4 905 6610address: 1 Manly Street, Paraparaumu Beach11m jet boat taking 31 passengers. Kapiti Island Nature ToursFerry, day tours and overnight stays in cabins.
-
phone: +64 4 905 6610ferry and guided walks.
Buy
The Raumati shopping strip houses women's fashion, a cycle store for those who are into something with speed, a renowned butcher and bakery and those stores which will cater for your small needs.
-
New World
address: 159 Kapiti RdSupermarket -
address: Rimu RdSupermarket
-
address: 16 Seaview RdSmall supermarket near the beach.
-
phone: +64 902 9899address: Main Rd, ParaparaumuShopping centre with a large range of chain stores and a few locally-owned businesses.
Eat
Raumati is home to a small selection of restaurants ranging from Italian to Thai and cafes only a short stroll from the beach.
-
address: 6 Maclean St, Paraparaumu BeachFish and chip shop
Drink
-
address: 3 Marine Garden, Raumati BeachIf you are keen for a drink and meal on those sunny days when there are perfect views of Kapiti Island and the South Island, visit the Waterfront bar for a couple of cool beverages and a meal.
-
Tuatara Brewery Tasting Room
address: 7 Sheffield StreetTry a wide selection of beer (and pizza) at this major brewery. Tasting session on Saturday afternoon have to be booked in advance.
Sleep
-
phone: +64 4 298 7982address: 341 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu Beach
Go next
- Paekakariki – a small town to the south
- Waikanae – another small town very close by to the north