Kāpiti Coast

Less than an hour from Wellington, the Kāpiti Coast has long beaches, small towns and the predator-free Kāpiti Island just offshore. Start with the Paekākāriki Hill Road lookout, drop to the beach towns, then go on to Waikanae's estuary and Ōtaki. It is flat, easy and good for cyclists. Easy to pair with a night in Wellington.

The stops

1. Start

   Wellington

2. Viewpoint

   Paekākāriki Hill Road lookout

   Steep road up to a view over the coast

3. Food

   Paekākāriki

   Beach village with cafes and a seaside walk

4. Beach

   Paraparaumu Beach

   Wide beach with Kāpiti Island visible offshore

5. Walk

   Waikanae Estuary

   Boardwalks through a wader reserve

6. Food

   Te Horo

   Garden centres and farm stalls between Waikanae and Ōtaki

7. Town · Overnight

   Ōtaki

   End of the drive; beach and river walks

8. Finish

   Ōtaki

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Paraparaumu

  Motels and holiday parks in Paraparaumu and Waikanae

When to go

Nov–Apr; Kāpiti Island access depends on the weather

On the road

SH1 is busy at weekends; take the old coast road where you can. Landing on Kāpiti Island needs a DOC permit and a licensed boat from Paraparaumu. The Ōtaki Gorge Road access to the park has been closed by slips; check conditions.