Paekākāriki
The southernmost seaside village in Kāpiti, Paekākāriki is seen as the creative hub of the district with many actors, dancers, musicians, film-makers, artists and sculptors choosing to make their home here. You can visit artists at work in the art hub or enjoy the village Art Walk.
Paekākāriki Station Museum
SH1, Paekākāriki
The museum features displays of railway memorabilia, implement sheds with tools, an early kitchen, local Māori history, historical Paekākāriki photographs, and second Marine Division mementos.
Free entry, donations welcome.
Beach Road Deli
5 Beach Rd, Paekakariki
Beach Road Deli is the Paekākāriki locals' pantry and caffeine hub. Using a fair trade organic Wellington roasted coffee by The Immigrants Son, they thrive on making deluxe coffee.
Their baker is up at the crack of dawn, baking fresh rolls and baked goods. With the majority of baking done on-site, you can be sure it is just how your nana baked with no nasties or additives. Handmade artisan goodness at its finest. Keep an eye our for their pizza nights! Yum!
Olde Beach Bakery
1 Beach Road, Paekākāriki
Well-known Waikanae staple Old Beach Bakery have opened up their second store in the recently refurbished and delightfully pink Holtoms Building in Paekākāriki.
Head there before (or after) your Escarpment Track walk, a trip to the beach or a meander around the Holtoms artist's studios.
Finns Paekākāriki
Beach Road, Paekākāriki
Only a short walk from the beach, in the heart of the village you will find Finns Paekākāriki - the local restaurant, bar and accommodation provider.
Finn's Paekākāriki is a modern boutique hotel that is far enough away from SH1 (at Transmission Gully) to be quiet, yet close enough to be convenient. Finns offers superior studio units with spa baths, king-size beds, microwave, tea and coffee-making facilities and has a café and bar onsite serving good old pub-grub. Perfect after a day at the beach!
A haven for the arts
Paekākāriki Village is well-known as a haven for all arts. This is reflected throughout the main street where you’ll find colourful flags adorning historic buildings and cafes bubbling with activity.
Situated in the heart of the village, St Peter’s Hall hosts some of the best gigs you are ever likely to go to and often attracts musicians who would never play any other town of this size. Check the community calendar to see what’s on.
The village maintains and celebrates its rail history. Stroll to the Paekākāriki Station Museum or go on a heritage steam rail adventure.
Escarpment Track: Te Araroa is not to be missed with stunning ocean, sky and Kapiti Island views
Get out and explore
Surrounded by hills, sea and parkland, Paekākāriki has a wealth of walks and cycleways. Bike through Queen Elizabeth Park to the Tramways Museum and visit the U.S. Marines memorial. During World War II, Paekākāriki served as a major base for U.S.Marines with over 15,000 Marines stationed in the area. For those after something more challenging, the popular Escarpment Track: Te Araroa is not to be missed with stunning ocean, sky and Kapiti Island views.
Whether you’re arty or active, you’ll find plenty to do in this vibrant little village. Nau mai, haere mai!
Queen Elizabeth Park: Te Ara o Whareroa
6km | Accessible. Suitable for: cycling, walking, HORSERIDING
Paekākāriki - Raumati South
Te Ara o Whareroa is an easy 6km trail that traverses the dunelands of the Kāpiti Coast. The trail extends from Queen Elizabeth Park all the way through to Tilley Road in Paekākāriki. It can be joined from various locations along the way, including from Wellington Road, Whareroa Beach and Raumati South. This popular shared route is used by locals for recreational walking and biking.
Queen Elizabeth Park has an array of trails to suit all types of activity. The Inland track, Whareroa Stream Loop and Yankee Trail are shared pathways for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Read all about the park here: www.gw.govt.nz/parks/queen-elizabeth-park
Paekākāriki Arts Walk
Village Centre, Paekākāriki
Paekākāriki has been known as a haven for many artistic people to either live or visit on a regular basis. Along with this the area is rich in Maori History with special links to Ngati Toa, Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata, through our local hapu Ngati Haumia.
In the heart of the village you’ll find a specially-designed walking route, which showcases poetry and visual art by local people. The trail is a short, mostly gentle walking loop that follows charming, scenic streets and a seaside path. Each waypoint features a poem or visual art piece, alongside a photo of the artist, a short biography of the person, and/or historical information.
The walk covers about 1.5 km. It’ll take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. Stopping off to enjoy the views and beach is recommended if you have the time.
Xplore Paekākāriki
Discover the history of Paekākāriki - the Perching place of the Green Kakariki with Xplore Paekākāriki.
Be introduced to the past and present residents of the area, their stories and what makes Paekākāriki unique.
