People to see, Places to go!
Sightseeing & getting around
The over-arching drawcard of the area, Waikanae Beach is truly special. The flat wide beach is wonderful for walking, beach cricket, or land art. The sea is safe for swimming, yet often enough wave activity for body-surfing, boogie boarding, or surf-paddling.
Enjoy beautiful sunsets that set on the Marlborough Sounds in the distance.
34 locals recommend
Waikanae Beach
The over-arching drawcard of the area, Waikanae Beach is truly special. The flat wide beach is wonderful for walking, beach cricket, or land art. The sea is safe for swimming, yet often enough wave activity for body-surfing, boogie boarding, or surf-paddling.
Enjoy beautiful sunsets that set on the Marlborough Sounds in the distance.
Renowned to be the best Car and Bike museum in NZ, Southwards is only a 10 minute drive via old SH1. Open 9.00 am - 4.30 pm everyday.
66 locals recommend
Southward Car Museum
Otaihanga RoadRenowned to be the best Car and Bike museum in NZ, Southwards is only a 10 minute drive via old SH1. Open 9.00 am - 4.30 pm everyday.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve offers an opportunity to have a hands-on experience with nature. It is a ‘must see’ attraction for local families and tourists.
65 locals recommend
Nga Manu Nature Reserve
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve offers an opportunity to have a hands-on experience with nature. It is a ‘must see’ attraction for local families and tourists.
An educational and interesting day out. Please visit their website for all necessary information. Carparking is available on site or take the train from Waikanae to Wellington Central station then enjoy the 10 minute walk along the beautiful waterfront.
142 locals recommend
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
55 Cable StAn educational and interesting day out. Please visit their website for all necessary information. Carparking is available on site or take the train from Waikanae to Wellington Central station then enjoy the 10 minute walk along the beautiful waterfront.
Recreation
An 18 hole golf course just minutes away (Te Moana Road). Warmly welcomes both casual players and new members onto the course. A beautiful course that is enjoyable to play but still offers plenty of challenge for the keen golfer.
9 locals recommend
Waikanae Golf Club
97 Te Moana RdAn 18 hole golf course just minutes away (Te Moana Road). Warmly welcomes both casual players and new members onto the course. A beautiful course that is enjoyable to play but still offers plenty of challenge for the keen golfer.
One of the top golf clubs in the country this international links course is challenging but memorable.
22 locals recommend
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
376 Kapiti RdOne of the top golf clubs in the country this international links course is challenging but memorable.
This beautiful reserve offers a unique walk among the nikau palms. Take the easy 10 minute return stroll or head upwards for a fairly steep ascent of 30 minutes for views of the Kapiti coast.
7 locals recommend
Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve
This beautiful reserve offers a unique walk among the nikau palms. Take the easy 10 minute return stroll or head upwards for a fairly steep ascent of 30 minutes for views of the Kapiti coast.
Part of the Te Araroa Trail, the Escarpment Track offers spectacular views. A steep but well-graded track; not recommended for anyone afraid of heights. Be sure to organise return transport as this is not a loop path.
59 locals recommend
Escarpment Walkaway
State Highway 1Part of the Te Araroa Trail, the Escarpment Track offers spectacular views. A steep but well-graded track; not recommended for anyone afraid of heights. Be sure to organise return transport as this is not a loop path.
Food scene
Good pub with excellent pub-style food. Substantial portion-sizes in a friendly environment.
26 locals recommend
Salt and Wood Collective
11 Ngaio RdGood pub with excellent pub-style food. Substantial portion-sizes in a friendly environment.
Good pizza, great cocktails and less than a 5 minute walk. Long Beach offers a wonderful garden bar with heated outdoor seating.
Longbeach Cafe + Tavern
40 Tutere StreetGood pizza, great cocktails and less than a 5 minute walk. Long Beach offers a wonderful garden bar with heated outdoor seating.
Authentic Thai cuisine and beautiful views over Kapiti Island. A personal favourite, within easy walking distance from the house.
23 locals recommend
Waimea Restaurant
1 Waimea RdAuthentic Thai cuisine and beautiful views over Kapiti Island. A personal favourite, within easy walking distance from the house.
If you’re on the hunt for the best creamy mushroom pie in New Zealand you'll find it here! Great selection of pies, pastries and artisan breads. We love riding our bikes there for a weekend indulgence that we take to the beach.
34 locals recommend
Olde Beach Bakery
3 Ono StIf you’re on the hunt for the best creamy mushroom pie in New Zealand you'll find it here! Great selection of pies, pastries and artisan breads. We love riding our bikes there for a weekend indulgence that we take to the beach.
Open every Saturday morning, the market offers fresh fruit and veges, coffee, hand crafts, plants, vinyl records, food and more. Just a 5 minute drive or 15 minute bike ride.
Waikanae Community Market
Park AvenueOpen every Saturday morning, the market offers fresh fruit and veges, coffee, hand crafts, plants, vinyl records, food and more. Just a 5 minute drive or 15 minute bike ride.
Craft beers, yummy platters and live music... what more needs to be said?!
28 locals recommend
Tuatara Brewery
7 Sheffield StCraft beers, yummy platters and live music... what more needs to be said?!
The first Café/Restaurant along Waikanae beach, the Front Room offers good food and coffee, and super garden-dining at the rear offering kids plenty of space to play while the adults enjoy some time out.
The Front Room Coastal Eatery
42 Tutere StreetThe first Café/Restaurant along Waikanae beach, the Front Room offers good food and coffee, and super garden-dining at the rear offering kids plenty of space to play while the adults enjoy some time out.
This Chinese Restaurant/Takeaway has been there for as long as I can remember. A local landmark.
6 locals recommend
Eastern Egret Restaurant
4 Ngaio RdThis Chinese Restaurant/Takeaway has been there for as long as I can remember. A local landmark.
Sightseeing
Kapiti Heliworx
60 Toru RdA fabulous experience for the whole family. Necessary to book ahead.
Kapiti Coast Museum
9 Elizabeth StA small glimpse into the past, educational for the kids