Paraparaumu

Paraparaumu, Paraparaumu Beach and the adjoining village of Raumati are on the Kapiti Coast of New Zealand's North Island.



Understand
Raumati is a friendly beachside village that offers a refreshing view of Kapiti Island. Right on the beachfront is the hub with the swimming pool and restaurant with the best views of the coast line.

By car
It's a 40- to 90-min drive from the nearest cities of Palmerston North and Wellington.

By train
Tranz Metro suburban trains run regularly (generally 1 or 2 every hour) from Wellington on the Kapiti Line, which terminates one stop further on at Waikanae. It takes 54 minutes from Wellington to Paraparaumu. The Northern Explorer has long-distance trains three times per week that start from Auckland.

By bus
InterCity operates several daily scheduled bus services throughout this region and most backpacker buses stop here.

Get around
Mana Coach Service provides a bus service between Paraparaumu and Paraparaumu Beach to Coastlands and the railway station to get you where you need to go. There is an hourly bus from Raumati to Paraparaumu, which takes 10 minutes. There is also a local taxi service available.

Do
For a bit of exercise try your luck at the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club or some bowling practice at one of the local greens.



Kapiti Island
DOC permits are required to visit Kapiti Island. These are included in the price of ferry tickets, and you are not allowed to visit in your own boat. Biosecurity measures include bag inspections before departure.



Buy
The village is a good place to buy local. The Saturday market is a special community experience. Drop in to have your breakfast and have a look. It's a great place to meet local people, local growers and local producers.

The Raumati shopping strip houses women's fashion, a cycle store for those who are into something with speed, a renowned butcher and bakery and those stores which will cater for your small needs.



Eat
There are many cafes and restaurants both in town and near the beach, making this a great stop to refuel. When ordering fish and chips down at the beach, ask them to point you to Fish and Chip Hill where locals soak up the sun, picnic and at times feed the many seagulls that hang around.

Raumati is home to a small selection of restaurants ranging from Italian to Thai and cafes only a short stroll from the beach.



Sleep
With many motels and hotels this town is not short of a place to stay and accommodation rates suit those wanting a quick stop over or a relaxing weekend on the coast.

Go next

 * Paekakariki – a small town to the south
 * Waikanae – another small town very close by to the north