Discover Paraparaumu Beach

Paraparaumu Beach combines coastal scenery with history and practical ways to enjoy the outdoors. A paved path by the beach invites you to walk, scoot and cycle. There is also a golf course in a natural coastal setting and departures to Kāpiti Island. If you’re planning a stay, you can weigh up different priorities—from the beach path to a trip to the island.

Beach, park and history

Maclean Park is a three-hectare reserve between Marine Parade and the coastal dune at Paraparaumu Beach. Together with the path close to the beach, it gives the coastal town two distinct features: a green space between the road and the dune, and a paved route for getting active by the beach. Paraparaumu Beach is a family-friendly destination with safe swimming opportunities.

The town’s history goes back a long way. By 1824, members of Te Āti Awa had established a large pā at Kenakena, with several thousand residents, extensive gardens and a palisade with carved posts. Later, in the 1920s, the coastal areas of Paraparaumu Beach were subdivided as a seaside resort. The region’s first church was also built here by 1843. These dates represent different chapters in its history: the pā at Kenakena, its development as a seaside resort and the early church building.

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club also offers a distinctive way to experience the coastal landscape. The club welcomes golfers from New Zealand and around the world to experience its acclaimed links course. Its natural coastal setting makes for a different experience from a day on the path by the beach: here, the links course is the main attraction.

Departures to Kāpiti Island

Ferries to Kāpiti Island depart from the Kāpiti Boating Club in Paraparaumu Beach. The club also serves as the departure point for Kapiti Island Nature Tours. This makes the town a practical starting point for a day trip to the island. The required Department of Conservation permit is included in the price of day trips.

Visitors to Kāpiti Island have two parking options: at the Kāpiti Boating Club or in the car park on the other side of the stream. If you’re planning this trip, you can factor the starting point into your choice of where to stay, alongside the beach and golf course.

There’s also a market in the area, held weekly on Saturdays. Check the latest details before you visit.

More nature experiences in the Kapiti Coast District

The wider Kapiti Coast District offers additional landscapes and activities. Queen Elizabeth Park covers 650 hectares of sand dunes and wetlands. Its scenic paths are suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding. The Waikanae Estuary Trail is a flat, easy walking track through a nationally significant natural habitat. Boardwalks run through wetlands and sand dunes; the habitat is home to more than 60 bird species, as well as freshwater and marine fish species. Unlike the paved beach path at Paraparaumu Beach, the focus here is on wetlands, dunes and wildlife.

In the same wider destination, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve offers hands-on experiences focused on New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. Rare brown kiwis can be viewed in a nocturnal house. The reserve is located in a large remnant of coastal lowland swamp forest, with ancient wetlands and regenerating forest. The nature experiences also differ: in Paraparaumu Beach, the coast and beach path shape your stay, while the wider Kapiti Coast District also features wetlands and native wildlife.

Choose the right focus when selecting accommodation

If your trip also includes other tracks, wetlands or native wildlife, consider the wider Kapiti Coast District as a separate regional option. Deciding which experiences matter most to you can help narrow down the right place to stay.

Explore more destinations: Ponatahi, Featherston, Plimmerton, Dyerville, Paraparaumu, Otaki, Porirua, Bidwells Cutting.

See the wider travel overview: Wellington.