Top Things to do in Paraparaumu
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The 10 Best Things to do in Paraparaumu, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Paraparaumu, New Zealand including Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve, Southward Car Museum, Kapiti i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Marine Gardens, Tuatara Brewery, Queen Elizabeth Park, Paraparaumu Beach, Maclean Park Playground, Coastlands Aquatic Centre, Otaihanga Domain.
Restaurants in Paraparaumu
1. Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 20carolj - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Awesome walk, started in Manly street and did loop around swing bridge only took 2 hrs including stops for photos. Lots to see whitebaiters and horse trekkers.Crossed 2 bridges and good to see more planting of natives. Good shot of Kapiti Island from beach entered on Manly street. Lots driftwood great for bbq’s. Also toilets half way on track and plenty places to stop and rest if need be.
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. Kapiti i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
The Kapiti i-SITE provides free booking and ticketing service for Intercity buses, Interislander and Bluebridge Ferries, KiwiRail, Sounds Air flights, accommodation and activities all over New Zealand. Our friendly team can put together itineraries for you for whatever your interests and book everything for you. We love the Kapiti Coast and can tell you all the best things to see and do. You can browse the information while enjoying a coffee, pizza or gelato next door in the Mediterranean Food Warehouse and Deli. Open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm weekends. Closed public holidays
4. Marine Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By maxwellwhanau - Waihi, New Zealand
Fantastic little park with water fun, picnic areas and also easily accessible near shops and beach... Loads of fun, especially for the younger members of the family (but older ones had fun too!).
5. Tuatara Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Tuatara began as a backyard operation in the hills above Waikanae. Founded by Carl Vasta, an engineer with the taste buds of a wine critic. Carl is the living, breathing epitome of "Kiwi ingenuity". If he needed a shed or a bottler or a tank, he’d just go ahead and build one. Before too long, he’d managed to brew a superb range of ales, porters and pilsners for his friends under the name Tuatara. To say that Tuatara Brewery has taken off in the last few years is an understatement. Heck, we’ve been propelled into orbit. We’ve become one of the leading lights in the craft industry. Tuatara Brewing Co's on site Tap Room is a non-pretentious, casual, and relaxed environment. Visit us and taste our superbly fresh range of beer on site in our unique dining and garden bar setting, maybe even a bite to eat or fill a rigger to take home. Now with a plethora of regular gigs and events.
Reviewed By davewI2138VO - New Durham, United States
Having tried Tuatara beers a few times, I came to their brewery in Paraparaumu to check them out - and found they have a relaxing, comfortable place to enjoy a wide variety of excellent brews as well as superb pizzas and snacks. IMHO it’s the best of New Zealand’s craft breweries - with a friendly and knowledgeable staff - and a great place to meet others who appreciate a good pint! I’ve been here 5 or 6 times now ... and plan to return often.
6. Queen Elizabeth Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Queen Elizabeth Park is the last area of natural dunes on Kapiti's coastline. Once part of a swathe of duneland stretching from Paekakariki to Foxton, the park reminds us how the coastline appeared before large-scale human settlement. Greater Wellington Regional Council is working with the community to protect and enhance this environment while providing a great place to enjoy the outdoors. With its 650 hectares of easy terrain edged by a sandy beach, Queen Elizabeth Park has plenty of space to enjoy swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, horseriding, picnics or group activities. The park is steeped in history including pa sites at Whareroa and Wainui beaches and evidence of the 20,000 strong US marine camps from World War II The Tramway Museum is situated near the MacKays Crossing entrance, with historic trams running on the 2km line to Whareroa Beach.
Reviewed By rogera805 - Brisbane, Australia
Stoppd for a couple of hours on the way from Wellington to Palmerston North. A great little park and it seems to be one of the few natural areas left on the Kapiti Coast. Nice dunes and beach with a few wlaking tracks throughout. A pleasant little stop to relax and enjoy the coast.
7. Paraparaumu Beach
8. Maclean Park Playground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By majelljames - Ballarat, Australia
We went to this park as we had previously visited on our last trip to New Zealand. We sat at the picnic table and ate our dinner. The seagulls were happy to share. The sunset over the water was spectacular and made our day complete. There was play equipment for children but as we didn't have any with us we can't review the play ground. The beach looked lovely to stroll along or go in the water.
9. Coastlands Aquatic Centre
10. Otaihanga Domain
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Patchy987 - Paraparaumu, New Zealand
Love the wide open green space for cricket or just running about, for the kids. 3 or 4 easy walking tracks, either to the sea or up river. Relaxing and tranquil walks and places for picnics near the lazy river. River swimming is great for little kids as river is usually very low
