Location: Waikanae
Top Things to do in Waikanae
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The 8 Best Things to Do in Waikanae, New Zealand
Waikanae (English: /ˌwaɪkəˈnaɪ/, Māori pronunciation: [ˈwaikaˈnaɛ]) is a small town on New Zealand's Kapiti Coast. The name is a Māori word meaning "waters" (wai) "of the yellow-eyed mullet".
Restaurants in Waikanae
1. Nga Manu Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 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 Jim M - Joplin, Missouri
Arrive here by 11:00 so you can be a part of the bird feeding. So much fun! Friendly parrot on your shoulder giving you "parrot kisses". The kiwis are a rare sight and fun to see them eating. Then take a walk through the preserve on the nice pathway through dense forest with a variety of labeled trees and with birds singing and escorting you along the way. Finish your walk by 2 pm as you don't want to miss the eel feeding!
2. Shoreline Cinema
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Ah62 - Wellington, New Zealand
First time at this cinema and loved the experience. Well stocked bar and brasserie area prior to going into a movie and you can take your drinks with you.
Fabulous small cinema theatre with super comfy 2 seater armchairs and small tables to put your drinks and nibbles on.
Ok its not cheap for that privilege but such a treat to watch a movie like this.
Loved it. Loads of parking outside too.
3. Peka Peka Beach
4. Hemi Matenga Memorial Park Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Ah62 - Wellington, New Zealand
This is a gorgeous walk. It starts in quite dense bush cover that is cool in the summer. It gets rather steep and quite challenging but the views from the lookout are simply breath taking. It is so worth the effort. We decided to keep walking a little after the lookout but it got too steep and narrow so we turned around. At that point some places could only be climbed and were difficult to navigate. The walk down was lovely too.
5. Mangaone Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By WellingtonAthena - Wellington
Start at the south end where there's a carpark and information board.
This walkway is reasonably gentle, following an old bush tramway meandering above the Waikanae River. The River is bridged but there are tributary streams easily crossed along the way (and providing some wonderful vistas). Most of the walk to the Te Horo clearing (half way) is in the Kaitawa Scenic Reserve, featuring large stands of regenerating Rewarewa (NZ Honeysuckle trees). As you enter the clearing, a track to the right leads to a delightful picnic area by the River.
Recommend walking back the same way rather than continuing to Mangaone North Rd - after the clearing, the northern section changes into pine plantation and farm land.
A delightfully cool walk on a hot summers day
6. Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
A couple of hours is money well spent with Mick Peryer – a local celebrity and acknowledged author. His dry sense of humour fits in well with his extensive knowledge of the area and during his tour it is not uncommon to record over 25 species of bird on his patch and indeed some 63 species visit the estuary during a year.There are some stories of avian romance that can only be told by Mick and his preferred mode of transport is unusual but extremely photogenic.The tour costs $35NZ per head but includes transport around his preferred locations and is rounded off by a cream tea at his home high above the estuary which on its own is a sight to behold. Suitable for all ages and abilities Mick can on request accommodate largerre are some stories of avian romance that can only be told by Mick and his preferred mode of transport is unusual but extremely photogenic.The tour costs $35NZ per head but includes transport around his preferred locations and is rounded off by a cream tea at his home high above the estuary which on its own is a sight to behold. Suitable for all ages and abilities Mick can on request accommodate larger parties.
Reviewed By Henry M - Otaki, New Zealand
Peaceful and a great setting. Needs more publicity. Many are missing out on a interesting day out. The lack of funding probably is the reason that not enough is done to promote the site.
7. Parata Walking Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By grandiflora - Wellington
The Parata walking Track is part of the beautiful Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve in Waikane. There is a small parking area as well as street parking.
A beautiful well kept track that takes you through native bush over a lovely walking bridge with a babbling brook. a gentle walk uphill, but in places a little steep you soon arrive at the top I think it I read somewhere around 400 M Sweeping views of the coast and surrounding bush. I swear the air smells and feels different up there. We stopped at the little bench at the top and had our picnic. It is a popular track in summer on Sunday.
We saw a number of dogs on leashes the first time we did this track. It took just over an hour.
The second time was mid week, and we continued on to do the Te AU Track which was a bit gruelling, around 4 hours tramp often very steep places but very rewarding in seeing gorgeous very ancient Rimu covered in KIKI . On both occasions there was not a lot of birdlife we heard a few warblers. Being under the lush green canopy of the tree was heavenly. I would recommend this track to start before attempting the Te Au which is classed for advanced and more suited to go with someone then attempting on your own.
8. Our Yoga Kapiti
Our Yoga . . . for all of us . . . no matter our age, gender, size, shape or fitness level. We can all benefit from the beautiful practice of yoga. Register for Power Yoga and Yin Yoga classes at the new studio at Peka Peka Beach. Please register for class as we have limited capacity. This is a boutique yoga studio, so you are assured of personalised attention and will have room to move. Our regular students love it!
