Waikanae

Waikanae is a laid-back beach town of 14,000 people (2022) in the Kapiti Coast with a combination of retired population and young families that brings a unique blend that is relaxing and vibrant.

The lovely long beach and pristine Waikanae River offer a range of outdoor activities. The local fly fishing club offers lessons for first timers.

By car

 * Driving will take about 45 minutes from Wellington to Waikanae via Transmission Gully and the expressway (State Highway 1) there is also a local road (State Highway 59) that takes you through all the local towns but it may take longer if using the local road

See
This is a proud gardening community which regularly features in national magazines. Head inland to Reikorangi Valley where you will find the local pottery making and cafe. This hidden gem is where it stops.

Do
Two bridges allow a decent loop walk which you can break to let the kids play in the playground at Otaihanga Domain or enjoy a safe swim in the river. Where the River meets the sea you may meet Waikanae's Birdman, Mik Peryer, guiding visitors to spot the rich birdlife on the protected estuary.

In summer, take a picnic and book a BBQ at the outdoor swimming pool complex where kids can swim for hours and enjoy the slide.

Buy
Right in the middle of town you can shop, do your errands, visit the districts gallery and enjoy a selection of restaurants and follow your nose to the bakeries with the fresh hot bread.

Eat
there are local restaurants and takeaway shops in waikanae but there are no big chain restaurants such as McDonald's, KFC, or Domino's, they are in the next town south Paraparaumu most of the restraunts are in the town area near the to the west side of the station There are two supermarkets in the area, Countdown and New World; they are within walking distance of the station.

Go next

 * North to Otaki
 * South to Paraparaumu