About Us
The Kapiti Coast is an easy 50 minute drive north of Wellington City with its five main townships of Paekakariki, Raumati, Paraparaumu, Waikanae and Otaki evenly spaced along 40 kilometres of attractive coastal plain.
The Kapiti Coast is renowned for its attractive climate and lifestyle. Paekakariki, Paraparaumu and Waikanae are popular holiday areas and although Otaki is the main service town for rural dwellers it also offers plenty for visitors.
Kapiti Island is situated approximately five kilometres offshore from Paraparaumu and dominates the vista along the coast. The island is home to many of New Zealand’s endangered birds and a permit from the Department of Conservation is necessary to visit it. A maximum of 50 people per day are allowed on Kapiti Island.
In a comparatively short space of time Kapiti has grown from being a series of beach holiday settlements and a farming area into one of New Zealand’s most rapidly developing and popular districts. In fact, Kapiti continues to be the fastest growing district in the Wellington Region - its population is growing at approximately 2% per annum and the estimated population for the District is 42,500.
The Kapiti Coast has attracted a number of successful entrepreneurs who have set up a range of small businesses in the area. These range from management consultancy through to telecommunications, manufacturing, retail and tourism.
Tourism is one of the potential growth industries along the Kapiti Coast. There are several significant attractions such as the Southward Car Museum, the Nga Manu Nature Reserve, the Lindale Farm Complex, plus a host of gardens as well some thrill-seeking adventures.
There are a wide range of excellent sporting and recreation facilities in the District. The Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course, rated in the top 100 courses of the world, hosted the 2000 New Zealand Golf Open and the 1999 Queen Sirikit Cup. The Kapiti Coast also has two other superb 18 hole courses located at Otaki and Waikanae, plus a 9 hole course in Paraparaumu. Also of international standard are the lawn bowling facilities.
The Tararua Range, which forms the natural eastern boundary for the District, offers excellent opportunities to experience some of New Zealand’s most beautiful native bush. The Otaki and Waikanae Rivers also offer recreational opportunities.
The Kapiti Coast is still able to combine a beautiful, restful and safe place to relax with all of the modern services and opportunities you would want and expect to see in a growing community.
Welcome to the Kapiti Coast - we trust you will enjoy your holiday in our beautiful home!
Maori place names for our region
| Kapiti |
Place where the boundaries of Tara and Rangitane divide |
| Paekakariki |
Perch or hill of the parakeet |
| Raumati |
Summer |
| Paraparaumu |
Place where only fragments of food in the oven were found |
| Otaihanga |
The place made by the tide |
| Waikanae |
Wai = water, kanae = mullet |
| Reikorangi |
Gate of heaven or breast of heaven |
| Te Horo |
The landslide |
| Otaki |
The place of the staff; the place where the staff was stuck in the ground by Hau, pursuing his wife. |
Population of the Kapiti Coast
Kapiti Coast Community Profile - June 2007
Weather
Rainfall = 1,040 mm per year
Sunshine = 2050 hours per year
Average Temperature:
- Summer = 13 degrees night 21 degrees day (Celsius)
- Winter = 4 degrees night 12 degrees day (Celsius)
The Kapiti Coast Weather is described as ‘Moderate - Mild’.