The lively town of Paraparaumu is a gateway to the Kāpiti Coast. Shop at the beachfront farmers market, explore a wildlife-rich island and visit one of the best car museums in the Southern Hemisphere. The links-style golf course is one of the best in New Zealand.
Things to do in Paraparaumu
See some of the rarest birds in New Zealand on Kāpiti Island. Boats depart from Paraparaumu Beach and sail to the protected nature reserve, where you can see species like the little spotted kiwi, kokako and takahe. There’s also a chance to see eagle rays gliding through the shallows.
See one of the most impressive automobile collections in the Southern Hemisphere at the Southward Car Museum. The enormous museum showcases cars from throughout the decades, including gleaming Cadillacs, sporty rally cars and a futuristic DeLorean.
Take to the skies on a scenic flight over the Kāpiti Coast. From the air, you can get a bird’s eye view of the sandy beaches and lush green hinterland, as well as the rugged Ruahine and Tararua ranges. Glider flights are a unique opportunity to soar through the air without the hum of an engine.
Book a round at the world-famous Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. The 18-hole championship course is a regular host of the New Zealand Open and treats players to spectacular views of the Kāpiti Coast. Wind up with a drink at the clubhouse overlooking the 18th green.
From cheese and ice cream to olives and honey, Paraparaumu is surrounded by farms that produce mouthwatering produce. Stock up on farm-fresh produce and browse stalls run by local artisans at the Paraparaumu Beach Saturday Market. Visit the farms directly to pick your own fruit and feed friendly barnyard animals.
Getting around Paraparaumu
Paraparaumu is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is on the southwestern coast of the North Island, a 45-minute drive from Wellington and one hour by train. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Paraparaumu and explore the Kāpiti Coast at your own pace. Wellington International Airport is a one-hour drive away.