Location: Waikanae
Top Things to do in Waikanae
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What to do and see in Waikanae, North Island: The Best Things to do
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. Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 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.
2. Shoreline Cinema
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By 51SandraS51 - Auckland, New Zealand
Staying with friend in Waikanae, this is a small and very intimate cinema. You are seated on two seater settees, welcoming staff and a wonderful array of bakery goods, coffee and icecream - what a great find on the Kapiti Coast (about an hour north of Wellington)
3. 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.
4. Kapiti Coast Museum
5. 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)
6. 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.
7. Hemi Matenga Memorial Park Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Eggandsp00n - Wellington, New Zealand
We did the Parata track twice in one week after we finally got around to walking Hemi Matenga. What a beautiful track. Good uphill for 25-30 minutes if you're reasonably fit. Wear good walking shoes with grip as there's not a "formed" track - some steps and a couple of wee bridges at the beginning otherwise it can be slippery with lots of rocks and roots. We've heard it's best to do the Te Au track up and then come down the Parata. I also walked the Kohekohe track today which was undulating and easy going - about 20 minutes.
8. Parata Walking Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Eggandsp00n - Wellington, New Zealand
Steady uphill for fit walkers of about 25-30 minutes. Beautiful bush. Can be slippery coming down. About an hour return and nice and handy to Kapiti Coast locals.
9. 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!
10. Kapiti Indoor Market
The Kapiti Indoor Market is a non-profit market showcasing the very best products from a large range of local businesses, artisans, crafters & food trucks. With a huge variety of quality stalls the market offers an enjoyable indoor shopping experience. Held twice a year (June & December), entry is by gold coin donation in support of local charities.
