Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
The Kapiti Coast is about an hour outside of Wellington. And while we love the city for its activities, coffee culture and museums, we will often encourage clients to visit New Zealand and explore further afield. A great example and option is a few days on the Kapiti Coast. The drive from Wellington is via the recently opened Transmission Gully motorway (now State Highway 1… but we still like the more colorful name).
Every trip to the Kapiti Coast should include a visit to Kapiti Island, one of New Zealand’s oldest nature reserves. Kapiti Island sits 5 km offshore, is predator free and has an abundance of wildlife, particularly native birds.
The Island has a colorful history which you will learn about on a guided day trip. If you want to spend a little longer on the Island, overnight stays are available, and after a home cooked meal you can head out after dark for a guided kiwi spotting walk.
We cannot guarantee you will see any kiwi, but with a population of over 1,200 little spotted kiwi on the island, there is a good chance you will see one).
Paraparaumu Beach GC is considered one of the greatest links courses in the southern hemisphere and is a special place to enjoy a round of golf. The community and team around this golf course are amongst friendliest and most knoweldgable in the country.
Built on the undulating dune land of the Kapiti Coast by Alex Russell (partner to Alister Mackenzie and co-designer of Royal Melbourne) this course dates back to the Golden Age of golf architecture. If you are up for a challenge, then this is the course to play, having hosted the New Zealand Open 12 times. Many world class golfers have played here, including Tiger Woods.
In fact, we like golf in New Zealand so much we have an entire website dedicated to golf travel- check it out here!
There are many fun day hikes throughout New Zealand, and a nice one in this area is the Escarpment Track. The track is 10 kms and takes around 2.5 hours to walk one way.
Although not for the faint-hearted, as there are 1,200 steep steps and you will navigate pathways across ridge lines and cross two swing bridges, those who take on the challenge will enjoy stunning views of Kapiti Island along the way.
You can access the track at either Paekakariki or Pukerua Bay hike between two train stations, with return to your vehicle done by catching a train back to your starting point (be sure to check the train timetables before you start your hike).
At the Best of New Zealand our travel experts can integrate time in places like the Kapiti Coast efficiently and smoothly into your itinerary. Through years of experience, we understand the better tours and which highlights that will make your time in New Zealand memorable.
Thinking about visiting New Zealand? Contact us today and allow our team to work with you to create your dream holiday!
