‘Wellington’s Gold Coast’

One hours drive north of New Zealand’s capital is Wellington’s coastal resort and favourite retirement destination, the Kapiti Coast. The area which includes a number of towns is named after the historic Kapiti Island that sits 8 km off the North Island’s coast. The Island was home to the famous Maori warrior chief Te Rauparaha, who was a bloodthirsty megalomaniac who turned the island into a fortress in 1822. From his island base his warriors terrorised surrounding tribes bringing home their carcases for cannibal feasts.

By the 1890’s the environmental devastation being wrought to New Zealand’s birdlife by introduced species was recognised and Kapiti Island was made a bird sanctuary in 1897. By the 1990’s sheep, goats, cats, dogs, possums and finally rats were all eradicated and native bird populations were reintroduced to the island with encouraging results. Kapiti Island is now a popular destination for bird and nature lovers who enjoy visiting the Island with Kapiti Tours which departs from Porirua.

In the 1970’s the town of Paraparaumu rapidly expanded as Wellington’s weekend shopping hotspot, and now has two major shopping malls including The Lindale Centre where you will find a wide range of authentic New Zealand made products and crafts as well as a farmyard tour where you can enjoy the excitement of feeding time.
 

During summer the long sandy beaches that stretch along the Kapiti Coast are great for swimming and sunbathing and draw Wellingtonian office workers for a weekend of relaxation. Most come for day trips but with a choice of hotels, motels, and backpackers lodges as well as popular caravan parks, Wellington’s Gold Coast makes a great place to spend a few days unwinding and recharging the batteries.

For additional accommodation, attractions, tours, events and other tourism information, contact the local visitor centre.