Rainy Days for Grown-Ups
It's not only children who get bored on rainy days! Here are our tips for grown-up things to do on a rainy day.
Shoreline Cinema
10 Mahara Pl, Waikanae
Shoreline is an independent cinema based in the heart of Waikanae. Specialising in an eclectic mix of films from around the world that both inspire and entertain, owner Peter has not only brought his passion for excellent film to the Kāpiti coast but also the experience that encapsulates boutique cinema.
Relax in the supremely comfortable couches (specially designed for the theatre) and enjoy a beverage from a contemporary selection of NZ wines, an award-winning range of Tuatara beers, or coffee, fresh organic teas and non-alcoholic beverages. Making the experience more enjoyable is an assortment of bakery delights from the clever ladies at Tom Thumb.
The cinema features two state-of-the-art auditoriums equipped with NEC electronic digital projection. Both theatres are fully air-conditioned and feature 7.1 Dolby surround sound and the latest in hearing-impaired technologies.
Shoreline Cinema offers a constantly changing selection of the best films they can find, so keep an eye on their site for the latest screenings.
Starlight Arcade
34 Te Roto Drive, Paraparaumu
The recently opened Starlight Arcade is the only games arcade on the Kāpiti Coast. The Starlight team have games for all the family, from pool to new and classic arcade games. Collect prize tickets and redeem them for great merchandise at the end of your session - or keep them until you come back again. It's a great way to spend a fun few hours!
Tuatara Brewery & Tap Room
7 Sheffield Street , Paraparaumu
Now with a plethora of regular gigs and events, The Brewery Tap Room is a non-pretentious, casual, and relaxed environment - fostering great hospitality and sociability. Everyone is welcome - from beer connoisseurs on strict tasting business to work groups popping in for an after-work pint or two, as well as enjoying a range of wine, cider and soft drinks.
A visit to the tap room is a great chance to rub shoulders with our award-winning brewers, who frequent the licensed area to carry out all the important "quality control". You can take a little Tuatara home with you too!
Salt and Wood BBQ
11 Ngaio Rd, Waikanae
The Salt & Wood BBQ brew-pub is unashamedly all about meat and beer. Connected to the North End Brewery by a large glass wall, the Salt & Wood team insist that "there's no combo on earth like legit American BBQ and a cold pint"
Can't decide which of the 14 or so beers brewed at the on-site North End Brewery you should have with your meal? Ask the team which pairs best with your meal or share a 6-beer tasting tray with a friend and then have a pint of your favourite.
There’s also a large wine and cocktail selection, and well-thought breakfast and burger menus for all-day dining.
50-50
22 Maclean St, Paraparaumu Beach
Awarded a coveted "HAT" in the 2021/22 Cuisine Good Food Awards, 50-50 was described as having "an exquisiteness to this experience clearly stamps 50– 50 as the best in Paraparaumu’s ever-growing dining cluster".
This praise is what happens when you blend the best local produce, meat and seafood with culinary tweaks, techniques and flavours from all over the world to make delicious modern New Zealand dishes.
Working around the world including for Gordon Ramsay in Tokyo and on super-yachts has honed chef Helen Turnbull's inventive take on food. At this stripped-back eatery she opened with maître d’ Eddy Kennedy, Helen takes admirable risks with an ever-changing menu. Michelin may never visit, but they should.
Passo
159 Kāpiti Rd, Paraparaumu
Passo means to pass, to stop by, to drop in. It’s the nickname of local chef and restaurateur, Michele Passarello and the original name of the street his family have been living on for generations.
Join Michele for authentic pizza, pasta, secondi, contorni and more, just like his Nonna used to make, but now combined with modern flavours and techniques. More than a restaurant, Passo is a place to get together offering genuine hospitality, great food and drinks and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Stop in for coffee, lunch, dinner or a decadent dessert.
Take-out gelato anyone?
Raumati Social Club
34 Poplar Ave, Raumati South
Located in the heart of The Raumati South, The Raumati Social Club embodies everything its name stands for. A hub where locals gather, eat delicious seasonal food, enjoy a beverage and soak in the atmosphere. With a backdrop of live music most weekends, you can feel the soul of Raumati within its walls. Blending both cuisine and the arts together, the cafe is a melting pot of culture.
Local art displays line the walls that up and coming artists fill with their soulful tunes and hip hop beats. There is no one size fits all here, a blend of cultures, genres and food is what makes coming to The Raumati Social Club a memorable experience.
Salty’s Diner
44 Seaview Road, Paraparaumu Beach
Calling itself the "rowdy little sister who gets away with anything", the Salty's team deliver good ole diner food served up with friendly and casual service, and a side of inappropriate kitchen banter. Salty's tasty eats & North End Brewing beers are served from a lovingly converted vintage Airstream inside the building - right in the heart of Paraparaumu Beach.
They promise to keep the food fresh with a big, bold and smokey menu that provides an epic tasting experience. It's a place to catch up with mates, chill, and enjoy the feed. For the competitive types there's old-school pinball and arcade machines to while away your time.
What more could you want?