What to do in Kapiti
Kapiti Island
The nearby island is one of the few accessible island nature reserves where you can see rare New Zealand birds, some of which are not present on the mainland. To visit the island (15 minutes by small ferry) a permit is required from the Department of Conservation plus a ferry boat booking. If you would like to make the day trip, contact Brian as early as possible as daily numbers are very limited and heavily booked in summer. The photo shows the island shrouded in sea-mist and low cloud.
Walking
Kapiti is very flat and therefore ideal for walking. The beach (3 kms) offers a great opportunity for a salty walk and if you like, a fish and chip dinner by the beach afterwards. Kapiti also has many bush and river walks and maps are available onsite. A 15 minute stroll to the shopping centre takes you past wetlands where NZ birdlife can be seen - see photo.
Cycling
Complimentary bicycles and helmets are provided at Sudbury Heights – with Paraparaumu being flat this is a great way to get around. Helmets are compulsory in New Zealand.
Wellington Options
The capital city offers much for the tourist and your hosts can advise you on what to do with your available time. Locally, Paraparaumu has few parking restrictions and no parking meters but with good public transport services available it’s easy to travel into Wellington without taking your vehicle. Should you opt to drive in, advice on city parking is available. With Wellington being only 50 minutes away by bus or train you will have plenty of time for sightseeing and shopping – and the national museum Te Papa (“Our Place”) is well worth a visit.
Restaurants
There are many excellent restaurants on the Kapiti Coast providing a great range of food, including fine dining, café style, traditional roasts, fish, bistro, Chinese, Cambodian, Indian, Thai, and Italian to name some.