Top Things to do in Kapiti Coast
Top Hotels in Kapiti Coast
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The 10 Best Things to do in Kapiti Coast, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Kapiti Coast, New Zealand including Nga Manu Nature Reserve, Southward Car Museum, Otaki River Walks, Peka Peka Beach, Mangaone Walkway, Paraparaumu Beach, Paekakariki Escarpment Walkway, Deer story museum, Whareroa Farm, Otaki Heritage Bank Museum.
Restaurants in Kapiti Coast
1. Nga Manu Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Discover "A Real KIWI Nature Experience" on the Kapiti Coast, within easy reach of Wellington. A diverse range of native animals & over 700 plant species. Nga Manu Nature Reserve offers you a unique opportunity to have a hands-on experience with nature. It is a 'must see' attraction for all local families and tourists visiting the Wellington region. There are 13 hectares for you to explore, including the largest remnant of original lowland coastal swamp forest on the stunning Kapiti Coast. The animal life at Nga Manu is a mix of both wild and enclosed species. Get up close to the iconic New Zealand Kiwi in the Nocturnal house and discover New Zealand's unique prehistoric reptile- the Tuatara. Meet the friendly Kea, Tui, Fantail, Kereru and Kaka. Over 56 different bird species come and go around the wetlands, bush and surroundings. All pathways are easily walked and are wheelchair and pushchair friendly (a wheelchair is available on site - we recommend that those in a wheelchair come with a friend who can assist with the aviary double doors). There are seating and picnic spots throughout the reserve including a BBQ facility and area. Follow the staff on our 'Bird Feeding Tour' at 11 am daily or take part in our Eel Feeding at 2 pm daily. We have a free guided bush walk and talk on weekends over the summer period and public holidays. We are flexible with your requirements, catering for individuals and groups, as well as hosting educational programs for visiting school groups in our Conservation Education Centre. If you have a special request please ask and we will work with you to create the best experience. We are able to provide personalised guided tours, catered lectures and a unique celebration or wedding venue.
Reviewed By MartinH566 - Wellington, New Zealand
We visited Nga Manu on a fine July Saturday. We spent over 3 hours there. During the time we did the guided bird feeding tour, bush walk, picnic lunch outside and watched the eels being fed. This is an excellent place to visit with family, friends or guests from overseas. There would be plenty to do on a cold day as long as you were dressed appropriately. The Sanctuary is mostly accessible by wheel chair. A wet day could restrict the activities you are able to do. All facilities are very clean. The entry fee is very reasonable. The guided bird tour is excellent with the guide being informative but also personalising her talk with experiences she has had with the birds and other animals we saw with her. It is well worth making sure that you arrive in time for the bird tour. We had two Japanese guests with us who thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity of seeing close up a number of our native birds and being able to participate in feeding some of them. Other animals we saw included tuatara, geko, wetas and eels. Nga Manu is a hidden gem.
2. Southward Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 433 reviews
Reviewed By miles52 - Lower Hutt, New Zealand
This is a wonderful car and motorbike museum, with something for everyone. Most of the vehicles have been lovingly restored, and are well and regularily maintained by their dedicated staff. Most vehicles get some road experience from time-to-time too. Try going mid-week when you are likely to have the place to yourself (almost) Weekend can get busy. It is easy to spend a couple of hours browsing, and the helpful staff are very knowlegable. Cafe on the premises will keep the inner person happy. Tons of parking.
3. Otaki River Walks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Bruce_M94 - Dunedin, New Zealand
These walks are filled with unexpected sights and views. You can go far along the river on a bicycle or for a more short walk looking at birds. All sorts of things to do.
4. Peka Peka Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Irish_Kiwi77 - Wellington, New Zealand
Nice beach a short drive north of Waikanae. There is parking available just by the entrance to the beach and you can also drive onto the beach. It is a nice beach to have a walk on. When we visited there was a lot of drift wood on the beach, which would making driving on the beach a bit tricky. State highway 1 heading north is not too far away from the beach (less than 5 minute drive)
5. Mangaone Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 20carolj - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Your choice of 2 entries either from Otaki which is part gravel or Waikane tarsealed road ,turn off at Elizabeth st. Waikanae entrance is the best, there are no toilets or rubbish bins. Walk / run from carpark to carpark if you choose.Return 4 hours but I kept stopping along way . Or 2 hr return from carpark to field with a stream for quick dip. An easy walk following the old bush tramway through a canopy of native bush and birds. Delightful trickling streams run alongside the walk with pockets for a dip. There is a swing bridge and other small bridges over streams, after rain parts can be a bit muddy. From the clearance you walk through the crackling pine forest with the tall trees swaying in the breeze. After this is the logging road to carpark on Otaki side which takes around 30 mins.downhill.Appears quicker on return. An easy walk great on a hot day as you are in bush.
6. Paraparaumu Beach
7. Paekakariki Escarpment Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By charlotteh962 - Wellington, New Zealand
We walked Pukerua Bay to Paekakariki - there were a couple of steep stair climbs but we didnt rush it and it seemed easier to do those and then wind down the path to Paekakariki than the other way. Also there is a great cafe with delicious pizzas at the Paekakariki end. Our group ranged from 11yrs to 78yrs and we took just under 4 hours which included many stops to take in the awesome views.
8. Deer story museum
9. Whareroa Farm
10. Otaki Heritage Bank Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
