4 minute read
ROAD TRIP - Wellington to Foxton Beach
Wellington to Foxton Beach via a pretty coastline and SH 1 1hr 50min, 124km
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SIDE TRIP - Paraparaumu to Kāpiti Island via ferry from Paraparaumu Beach 15min, 5km
Leave the bright lights of Wellington City behind on a road trip that takes in the length of the Kāpiti Coast.
Wellington Zoo
© WellingtonNZ
As you head out of the central city on SH 1, you’ll pass through Johnsonville and Tawa, before reaching the harbourside city of Porirua. The unmistakable silhouette of Kāpiti Island will keep you company as you drive north and a visit to this remarkable wildlife sanctuary, launched from Paraparaumu, is a must-do day trip detour.
From Paekākāriki at the southern end of the Kāpiti Coast to Foxton Beach and Hīmatangi Beach in the north, there is enough sand and surf to keep the coastal connoisseurs satisfied. Waikanae is another gem, with beaches, walks and an impressive bird sanctuary. On the other side of the highway the rugged expanse of the Akatārawa Forest Park and the Tararua Range provide ample options for outdoor excursions.
HIGHLIGHTS
PARAPARAUMU As the main town on the Kāpiti Coast, Paraparaumu’s attractions include a world-class golf course, the Southward Car Museum and a number of excellent gourmet food producers offering treats like cheese, olives and honey.
LEVIN The pretty town of Levin is the main hub of the Horowhenua District. With an excellent public domain featuring an adventure playground and miniature railway, it’s ideal for letting the kids stretch their legs. Nearby, Lake Horowhenua has a large variety of birdlife, with friendly ducks to feed and if you venture further towards the coast you’ll discover Waitārere Beach with its surf and sand dunes.
In the rural town of ŌTAKI is Ōtaki Forks, a casual campground adjoining a truly magical stretch of river with deep swimming holes.
FOXTON Famous for its Foxton Fizz soft drinks, this town is also renowned for flax. In the late 1800s, flax mills were the major industry for Horowhenua; visit the fascinating Flax Stripper Museum to learn about the process involved. Also see De Molen Windmill – an exact working replica of a 17th century Dutch flour mill.
PAEKĀKĀRIKI Undertake the four hour Paekākāriki Escarpment Track and earn a hearty evening meal at Finn’s Restaurant. Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday.
Escarpment Track, Paekākāriki, Kāpiti Coast
© WellingtonNZ
WAITĀRERE BEACH One of Aotearoa’s best-kept secrets. An easy 10-minute drive from Levin presents a wide, sandy beach with safe paddling.
PORIRUA
Twenty minutes north of central Wellington, visit Pātaka Art + Museum for the contemporary Māori, Pacific Island, New Zealand and international arts and culture. Nearby, the New Zealand Police Museum details the history of the New Zealand police force. Jam-packed with engrossing stories and real evidence.
Colourful boat sheds, Porirua
© Rob Suisted / naturepic.com
SIDE TRIP - KĀPITI ISLAND
One of the most accessible offshore nature reserves in New Zealand, Kāpiti Island can be reached by a 15-minute boat ride from Paraparaumu. Make it a day-trip or an overnighter.
Kāpiti Island viewpoint, Kāpiti Coast
© WellingtonNZ
Just 5km from the mainland, the island is home to some of New Zealand’s rarest native birds, including kōkako, kiwi and takahē, so you can only visit with an approved tour operator, in groups of no more than 50 people at a time, to protect the unique ecosystem.
New Zealand parakeet / kākāriki, Kāpiti Island
© Kāpiti Island Tours
Explore some of the island’s walking trails which wind through mature native bush to a 600m-high summit where you can enjoy expansive views back towards the mainland. You may also spot whales, dolphins and sharks on the short boat ride to and from the island.
Kāpiti Island off Kāpiti Coast
© WellingtonNZ
