Nau mai ki Kāpiti
Welcome to Kāpiti.
Here the sun shines brighter, sunsets are unrivalled, all just a quick skip from the hustle and hurry of our capital city.
Whether you're hitting the trails, chilling with a kawhe, or just enjoying the sand between your toes, our 40km slice of heaven is waiting for your footprints. So, pack your sunnies and your sense of freedom, because it's time to escape to a world where everyday feels like a holiday.
Your guide to Spring on the Kāpiti Coast
As the days grow longer and warmer, spring invites you to embrace the natural beauty and relaxed coastal charm of Kāpiti.
Lets Explore Together
Our Slice of Heaven
The Kāpiti Coast boasts 40km of sandy beaches stretching from Paekākāriki to Ōtaki, to the lush flora and fauna found in plentiful pockets of untouched nature, located just 35 minutes from Wellington. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed coastal escape, get outdoors and experience arts, culture and heritage.
Across the Rauoterangi Channel lies Kapiti Island - an ecological jewel in Aotearoa’s crown. A visit to the Island offers a unique opportunity to experience some of New Zealand's endangered wildlife and appreciate the lush flora and fauna of this natural taonga.
Kāpiti is an adventurer's playground, where the great outdoors invites you to explore and discover. From adrenaline-pumping mountain biking to family-friendly cycle trails, there’s something here for every kind of explorer. Pick your pace on the abundance of trails from easy to epic, through the native bush of the mighty Tararua Ranges, or the iconic coastal Paekākāriki Escarpment track.
The unique coastline features six townships - Paekākāriki, Raumati, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Te Horo and Ōtaki - each individually offering its own unique essence and vibe, but more importantly, collectively representing an opportunity to provide a very special experience for those that travel here.
Summer of events
The Kāpiti Coast is known for its expansive beaches but it is also home to an epic line up of events all summer long. Mark your calendar and explore just some of the exciting events that call the coast home.
Getting here
You will find Kāpiti just 50km north of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Capital city, Wellington. Making it an easy getaway just a short drive from the city centre and accessible via multiple transport modes.
By Car
Travel on SH1 via the Transmission Gully motorway which delivers a safe, modern and accessible route from Wellington to Kāpiti. Just 50kms north of Wellington city the drive provides quick access taking approximately 35 minutes. Alternative access by car can also be taken via SH59 which offers a scenic route winding along the coastline and passes through Paekākāriki.
By Train
Metlink operates a train from Wellington Station to Waikanae Station every 30 minutes. The Kāpiti line service stops at Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu and Waikanae when heading north from Wellington providing access to multiple townships and easy connection to the coast.
By Plane
The Kāpiti Airport is located in the heart of Paraparaumu making it an easy gateway to the coast. The Airport has scheduled daily flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson and Blenheim via Sounds Air and Air Chathams.
Taxis, shuttles and rental cars are available at the airport. Paraparaumu Train Station is located 5 minutes' drive (or 8 minutes' bus ride) from the airport, providing regular journeys to Waikanae or Wellington City.
Kāpiti can also easily be accessed from Wellington International Airport and is 60km drive north from the airport via SH1. Alternatively, Palmerston North Airport provides another regional place to fly into and is located 100km away with a drive time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
By Bus
InterCity operates a daily bus to Paraparaumu from locations around the North Island. All buses arrive at the Railway Station in Paraparaumu.