Paraparaumu: Discover Aviation History and Trails

Discover Paraparaumu through landmarks that reflect its history and outdoor trails. A 14-metre-tall statue of Our Lady of Lourdes stands on a 75-metre-high hill above St Patrick’s Church. The Kāpiti Coast Airport Control Tower is another local landmark. There is also a playground and sports facilities at Paraparaumu Domain, as well as an easy trail for pedestrians and cyclists. These offer different ways to include culture and exercise in your travel plans.

Aviation and local history

Our Lady of Lourdes was commissioned in 1958 to mark the 100th anniversary of the appearance of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes. Alongside this religious memorial, Paraparaumu also tells a story of aviation: the Museum of Aviation is located at Kāpiti Coast Airport on Kāpiti Road, right beside the Airport Control Tower. Its exhibitions cover the history of New Zealand and the pioneering era, as well as general aviation. The tower was built in 1947; from 1947 to 1959, Kāpiti Coast Airport was New Zealand’s busiest airport. Together, the museum and tower bring different aspects of aviation history together in one place.

Paraparaumu Domain: memorial, playground and sports

The expansive Paraparaumu Domain is located at the corner of Aorangi Street and Tutanekai Street. The park is also marked by the Paraparaumu War Memorial gates, which commemorate those who fell in the First and Second World Wars. The modernised playground offers play opportunities for children of all ages, including accessible swings. Some equipment may change, so it is worth checking the current facilities before visiting. Sports facilities for rugby, cricket, athletics and football round out the amenities; sports field availability is seasonal and should be checked separately.

Trails and a boat trip to Kāpiti Island

The Wharemauku Stream Path connects Paraparaumu Town Centre with Raumati Beach. The easy trail is intended for pedestrians and cyclists; check current trail conditions before setting out. For a different kind of outing, boats to Kāpiti Island depart from the nearby Paraparaumu Beach at the Kāpiti Boating Club, 1 Manly Road. The island lies across the channel and is a protected island sanctuary. Check departure arrangements and the weather before travelling.

More options in the Kapiti Coast District

In the wider destination of the Kapiti Coast District, Queen Elizabeth Park offers trails for walking, cycling and horse riding. Its 650 hectares include sand dunes and wetlands. At Waikanae Estuary, a flat, easy trail runs along boardwalks through wetlands and sand dunes; the habitat is home to more than 60 bird species, as well as freshwater and marine fish species. The Paekākāriki Escarpment Track offers a marked contrast: it includes around 1,200 steep steps, narrow ridge-top paths and two suspension bridges. Conditions can vary seasonally. Comparing the easy estuary trail with the route full of steps can help you choose the kind of outing that suits you in the Kapiti Coast District.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

Match your accommodation’s specific location to these plans, rather than treating the different experiences as one single outing.

Discover more destinations

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