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Paraparaumu Heritage Trail

Journey through history on the Paraparaumu Heritage Trail. Discover historic sites, uncover local legends, and soak in stunning landscapes. Perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Experience the rich heritage of Paraparaumu with us!

Our Lady of Lourdes

One of the most dramatic landmarks on the Kāpiti Coast is this 14-metre-high statue of the Virgin Mary on the...

Sale of the first section in Paraparaumu

The Crown bought 983 acres of Māori land at Paraparaumu in 1874. This was transferred to Wellington and Manawatu Railway...

In 1824, Ngāti Toa lived here for a few months before moving to Kāpiti Island. In the early 1830s the Puketapu hapū of...

Kāpiti Island and Paraparaumu Beach

You are standing at the hub of history for the Cook Strait area and the Kāpiti Coast. Offshore is Kāpiti Island, named...

Kenakena Pa and Church

By 1824, many Te Āti Awa people had migrated from Taranaki and built a great pa at Kenakena, with lesser centres at Te...

Arapawaiti Cemetery Reserve

The Arapawaiti urupā (cemetery) is the family urupā of the descendants of Thomas Wilson. It is located on a parcel of...

Arapawaiti was a small village of a dozen houses belonging to the Ngāti Rukao hapū.

The government of Sir George Grey approved the construction of the Wellington and Manawatu Line on 27 August 1878.

Kāpiti Coast Airport

Kapiti Coast Airport was formerly known as Paraparaumu Aerodrome. Rongotai was designated Wellington’s main airport in...

Kāpiti Coast Airport Control Tower

Built in 1947, the Kapiti Coast Airport Control Tower is a Paraparaumu landmark. Formerly known as the Paraparaumu...

Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve heritage

Barry Hadfield (1925-2012), a leading political, economic and social figure in Kāpiti, donated the land that became...

Supporters of the Heritage Trail

Updated 3 June 2025