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HomeNgā Kaupapa | What's OnThings to do in KāpitiHeritage TrailPaekākārikiU.S. Marine Corps Camps
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U.S. Marine Corps Camps

Te Reo

 


The Marine Camp at Paekākāriki during World War II. The Second Division of American Marines was based in the Paekakariki Camp near McKay's Crossing to train and recuperate, ca 1942. HP 104 C P Leonard Collection Kāpiti Coast District Libraries

During the Second World War, Paekākāriki served as a major base for American Marines fighting in the Pacific Campaign. 

The first Marines arrived in Wellington to a tremendous welcome on 4 June 1942. After berthing at Aotea Quay, equipment was sorted and a parade quickly organised before the trip to the camps at Mackays Crossing. 

There were three main camps, all situated in or adjacent to present-day Queen Elizabeth Park. Camp Russell, located within Queen Elizabeth Park and adjacent to the Mackays Crossing entrance, housed the 2nd Infantry Regiment. Camp Mackay, located across the main highway, now Whareroa Farm, housed the 6th Infantry Regiment, and camp Paekākāriki, at the southern end of the park, housed the 8th Regiment. At one stage there were over 20,000 Americans stationed in the region.

The camps were used for training purposes as well as rest and recreation for those returning from the Pacific combat zone. Paekākāriki's steep surrounding hills proved suitable terrain for marching and mortar practice, and its beaches were used to stage amphibian invasions.

To recapture life at the camps and to recognise the aid the United States Marines gave to our region, the Wellington Regional Council erected a commemorative plaque, flags and interpretation panels at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Photo gallery

Click the thumbnail to enlarge the image.

American Soldiers Stationed At Paekakariki Marine Camp1942 American Soldiers Stationed At Paekakariki Marine Camp1942 Farewell Party In Paekakariki Marine Mess Ww2 Farewell Party In Paekakariki Marine Mess Ww2 Marine Camp During Ww2 1942 Marine Camp During Ww2 1942 Marine Camp During Ww 2 1942 1 Marine Camp During Ww 2 1942 1 Whites Aviation Photo Of Marine Camp At Paekakariki During Ww2 Whites Aviation Photo Of Marine Camp At Paekakariki During Ww2 Whites Aviation Photo Of Marine Camp At Paekakariki Near Mckays Crossing During Ww2 Whites Aviation Photo Of Marine Camp At Paekakariki Near Mckays Crossing During Ww2
American Soldiers Stationed At Paekakariki Marine Camp1942 - Thumbnail
Farewell Party In Paekakariki Marine Mess Ww2 - Thumbnail
Marine Camp During Ww2 1942 - Thumbnail
Marine Camp During Ww 2 1942 1 - Thumbnail
Whites Aviation Photo Of Marine Camp At Paekakariki During Ww2 - Thumbnail
Whites Aviation Photo Of Marine Camp At Paekakariki Near Mckays Crossing During Ww2 - Thumbnail

Download a brochure

Click on a link below to download or print a copy of each heritage trail brochure.

Ōtaki and Te Horo[PDF 2.41 MB] 
Waikanae[PDF 2.51 MB] 
Paraparaumu[PDF 1.67 MB] 
Paekākāriki[PDF 1.41 MB] 

Related links

www.marinenz.com 
Museums

Supporters of the Kāpiti Coast Heritage Trail

Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti
Kapiti Pakeke Lions
Kapiti Historical Society
Otaki Historical Society

paraparaumu-library
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Kāpiti Coast District Council
175 Rimu Road
Private Bag 60601
Paraparaumu 5254

Phone: 04 296 4700
Toll free: 0800 486 486
Fax: 04 296 4830
[email protected]

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