Top Things to do in Paraparaumu
The 10 Best Things to Do in Paraparaumu, New Zealand
Discover the best top things to do in Paraparaumu, New Zealand including Southward Car Museum, Nga Manu Nature Reserve, Paekakariki Escarpment Walkway, Paraparaumu Beach, Shoreline Cinema, Staglands Wildlife Reserve, Tuatara Brewery, Coastlands Aquatic Centre, Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours, Kapiti i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.
Restaurants in Paraparaumu
1. Southward Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By TheLivos - Wales, United Kingdom
We stumbled upon this place by chance, but we were really pleasantly surprised by the size and quality of the collection. The information cards for each exhibit gave just the right amount of info & weren’t too technical to scare off the interested visitor but kept the more knowledgeable one interested too. Amazing to see how the collection has been put together over the years
2. Nga Manu Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Discover "A Real KIWI Nature Experience" on the Kapiti Coast, within easy reach of Wellington. A diverse range of native animals & over 700 plant species. Nga Manu Nature Reserve offers you a unique opportunity to have a hands-on experience with nature. It is a 'must see' attraction for all local families and tourists visiting the Wellington region. There are 13 hectares for you to explore, including the largest remnant of original lowland coastal swamp forest on the stunning Kapiti Coast. The animal life at Nga Manu is a mix of both wild and enclosed species. Get up close to the iconic New Zealand Kiwi in the Nocturnal house and discover New Zealand's unique prehistoric reptile- the Tuatara. Meet the friendly Kea, Tui, Fantail, Kereru and Kaka. Over 56 different bird species come and go around the wetlands, bush and surroundings. All pathways are easily walked and are wheelchair and pushchair friendly (a wheelchair is available on site - we recommend that those in a wheelchair come with a friend who can assist with the aviary double doors). There are Seating and picnic spots throughout the reserve including a BBQ facility and area. Follow the staff on our 'Bird Feeding Tour' at 11 am daily or take part in our Eel Feeding at 2 pm daily. We have a free guided bush walk and talk on weekends over the summer period and public holidays. We are flexible with your requirements, catering for individuals and groups, as well as hosting educational programs for visiting school groups in our Conservation Education Centre. If you have a special request please ask and we will work with you to create the best experience. We are able to provide personalised guided tours, catered lectures and a unique celebration or wedding venue.
Reviewed By Jim M - Joplin, Missouri
Arrive here by 11:00 so you can be a part of the bird feeding. So much fun! Friendly parrot on your shoulder giving you "parrot kisses". The kiwis are a rare sight and fun to see them eating. Then take a walk through the preserve on the nice pathway through dense forest with a variety of labeled trees and with birds singing and escorting you along the way. Finish your walk by 2 pm as you don't want to miss the eel feeding!
3. Paekakariki Escarpment Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Nuttykiwi - Feilding, New Zealand
It really does have wonderful coastal views. We walked South to North. It's good having the sign boards offering information about the area and history of the railway. It would be great to see skinks easily one day. Although we only sat briefly at the lookout I'm sure all the seats along the way get good use.
Tough little walk though, especially with all those stairs and so hot on such a lovely day. Surprised the number of people we meet who didn't appear to have water. Worth the trip. Check out Finns cafe for a bevy while waiting for the train back.
4. Paraparaumu Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Vanessa S - Kapiti Coast, New Zealand
Because I don't do early morning flights or late night flights the best way back from Adelaide to Wellington is on Air New Zealand's 11.15am flight from Adelaide to Auckland. Arrives at approx 6.15pm. Gives plenty of time to clear customs etc. Transfer to domestic terminal and catch 8pm flight from Auckland to Wellington. Arrives 9pm.
5. Shoreline Cinema
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Ah62 - Wellington, New Zealand
First time at this cinema and loved the experience. Well stocked bar and brasserie area prior to going into a movie and you can take your drinks with you.
Fabulous small cinema theatre with super comfy 2 seater armchairs and small tables to put your drinks and nibbles on.
Ok its not cheap for that privilege but such a treat to watch a movie like this.
Loved it. Loads of parking outside too.
6. Staglands Wildlife Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe is less than an hour from Wellington and a 'must see' attraction for anyone either living in or visiting Wellington. Staglands offers a unique experience for people of all ages to feed and freely interact with a wide range of native and exotic birds and animals in an environment that has been created with nature's materials. Open daily 9:30am-5pm. Adults $22, Children $11 (3 and under no charge)
Reviewed By Kiwimum54 - Wellington, New Zealand
first time to Staglands today, with 3 adults and a baby and active toddler. We all loved it. the baby stayed awake the whole time, in awe of the peacocks and animals. The toddler was so confident with the animals which are so friendly, and there are a huge variety. The baby animals were a treat, ducklings, very tiny chicks in a heated space for warmth, small goats, lambs, Guinea pigs, lots of pigs, trout, birds, such an assortment of birds! we didn't picnic but it would be great to take a picnic on a dry day, there are lots lovely lawns etc driving from Waikanae more a challenge as its a long hilly windy road, but beautiful bush drive too. Going from Staglands to Upper Hutt which is way we drove on way home is easy drive. Lots of fun for all us, highly recommend it. Be a good place to take family or visitors while hanging out with young children, neat introduction to animals for children.
7. Tuatara Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Jennie_gutry - Paraparaumu, New Zealand
I took four media people here for the beer tasting matched with foods. What an amazing experience. Four women who love wine, not beer, came away with boxes of beer they had tasted and loved. The food was also just right. A really good experience in an unpretentious but funky place. Also great coming here just for pizza and a beer after work.
8. Coastlands Aquatic Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By McTravel73 - Wellington, New Zealand
Had a fab time at the centre for my sons 5th party.
The staff were totally accommodating to our needs, from the first inquiry through to completion. Fee included tidy up.
Great food for the kids and also adults
Pity they have bad coffee beans from Kapiti Coffee Co, very acidic and flavourless. They also acknowledged how bad they are.
Perfect place for a trouble free party.
Great work guys.
9. Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
A couple of hours is money well spent with Mick Peryer – a local celebrity and acknowledged author. His dry sense of humour fits in well with his extensive knowledge of the area and during his tour it is not uncommon to record over 25 species of bird on his patch and indeed some 63 species visit the estuary during a year.There are some stories of avian romance that can only be told by Mick and his preferred mode of transport is unusual but extremely photogenic.The tour costs $35NZ per head but includes transport around his preferred locations and is rounded off by a cream tea at his home high above the estuary which on its own is a sight to behold. Suitable for all ages and abilities Mick can on request accommodate largerre are some stories of avian romance that can only be told by Mick and his preferred mode of transport is unusual but extremely photogenic.The tour costs $35NZ per head but includes transport around his preferred locations and is rounded off by a cream tea at his home high above the estuary which on its own is a sight to behold. Suitable for all ages and abilities Mick can on request accommodate larger parties.
Reviewed By Henry M - Otaki, New Zealand
Peaceful and a great setting. Needs more publicity. Many are missing out on a interesting day out. The lack of funding probably is the reason that not enough is done to promote the site.
10. Kapiti i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
The Kapiti i-SITE provides free booking and ticketing service for Intercity buses, Interislander and Bluebridge Ferries, KiwiRail, Sounds Air flights, accommodation and activities all over New Zealand. Our friendly team can put together itineraries for you for whatever your interests and book everything for you. We love the Kapiti Coast and can tell you all the best things to see and do. You can browse the information while enjoying a coffee, pizza or gelato next door in the Mediterranean Food Warehouse and Deli. Open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm weekends. Closed public holidays
Reviewed By Uhuru6948 - Wellington, New Zealand
Living locally I called in for some information covering other parts of New Zealand. The lady at reception was extremely helpful and obliging and provided me with free maps, accommodation and touring information which I then mailed to a family member living overseas.
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