Vacation rentals in Paraparaumu Beach

A long stretch of sandy shore on the Kapiti Coast, Paraparaumu Beach is a popular retreat for weekenders and day trippers from Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Set along the southern part of the North Island, it’s home to landscapes of green, craggy ranges of the Tararua Forest Park on one side and the blue Tasman Sea on the other. You can wander around the Waimanu Lagoon, an estuary teeming with black swans, colorful paradise ducks, and pukeko swamp hens with their bright red legs. Another easy nature walk on well-formed paths is through the Waikanae Estuary, which forms an important habitat corridor for wildlife moving between the mountains, river, and sea.

The lower North Island coastal area has a temperate microclimate, never getting very hot or cold, and it is usually a few degrees warmer than nearby Wellington. The summertime is the best time to visit, from late November to early March, while winter is June through August. Over two weekends each November, the area’s vibrant art scene shows off its talents during the Kapiti Arts Trail. This popular community event sees artists’ studios opening their doors and art displayed in cafes and other venues. On the first weekend of May, the Kapiti Music Festival takes over Maclean Park in Paraparaumu Beach to celebrate New Zealand Music Month. Thousands of music lovers flock to enjoy the live bands performing across five stages.

Paekakariki Escarpment Track

Fifteen minutes south of Paraparaumu Beach is the entrance to the Paekakariki Escarpment Track, a 5.5-mile trail that runs from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay along the Kapiti coastline. You’ll head along the old railway line and through private farmland as you trek along the rugged coast, enjoying spectacular views of the Tasman Sea along the way. The entire trail takes three to four hours to complete, and includes around 1,200 steep stairs to climb, reaching about 720 feet above sea level.

Kapiti Island

An emerald green sanctuary three miles off Paraparaumu Beach, Kapiti Island is a tranquil paradise for birds and people. Sadly, many of New Zealand’s unique native birds are endangered. This nature reserve offers a predator-free zone for birds such as the giant flightless takahe, the kaka parrot, and the hihi, or native stitchbird. You’ll also find several walking trails, from the gentle Okupe Valley Loop to the more challenging Tuteremoana walk. Be sure to climb to the top of the 1,700-foot summit of the island for panoramic views of the island and coastline.

Southward Car Museum

The Southward Car Museum is a fun collection of automobiles just north of Paraparaumu. A local motor enthusiast set up the museum in the 1970s to house his collection, and it has since become a popular attraction. Once the largest private car collection in Australasia, it features everything from late 19th-century vehicles to the latest sports cars. You’ll also find a cafe and theater space with a colorful 1929 organ.