Kapiti Coast Overview

Arching gracefully 32km up the west coast from Paekakariki to Otaki, the Kapiti Coast (KAH-puh-tee) is Wellington’s scenic getaway. Small wildlife sanctuaries, stunning coastline, and the bird-filled Kapiti Island draw visitors to the region. While nearly every town has a public beach, Waikanae Beach is the region’s finest, with a long stretch of often secluded sands. Though Porirua’s suburban strips and sheltered inlets are not technically within the boundaries of Kapiti’s shore, a few diversions and stellar hostels make the town a comfortable stop.

TranzMetro (☎807 7000) trains leave every 30min. from Wellington and stop at Paekakariki (45min., $5-7), Paraparaumu (1hr., $6-8), and Plimmerton (25min., $3.50-5). An unlimited Capitol Explorer ticket will get you anywhere for only $15 (travel must begin after 9am on weekdays and excludes the Capitol Connection and Wairarapa line). Trains run weekdays 6am-midnight, with the last outbound train leaving at 11pm. On Saturdays, the final outbound train leaves at 1am. Prices are 25% lower between 9am and 3pm (M-F only) and 20% off for a 10-trip pass. InterCity/Newmans (☎472 5111) buses also stop along the Kapiti Coast (9 per day, from $11), but advance booking is required. Mana Coach Services (☎0800 801 700) operates a number of buses within the Kapiti Coast and Porirua ($2-3). The Discovery Pass ($10) allows one day of unlimited travel by bus within Wellington and along the Kapiti Coast. There’s also a fair amount of regional traffic from Otaki to Paekakariki, north of where the motorway ends. Although Let’s Go does not recommend it, hitchhikers reportedly have a good chance of bumming a ride on the outskirts of each town.