At the beach

Nik Bullard

Paekākāriki offers a beautiful long, sweeping beach with excellent views of Kāpiti Island and the South Island. Offering flat calm and idyllic ocean one day and reasonable surfing and boogie boarding waves the next, it is rarely the same. And as it's situated on the West Coast, the gorgeous sunsets are like a different painting every night! All access ways are either signposted with blue posts or clearly visible. At the southern end there is access close to a stream midway down Ames Street, and at the far south end of Ames Street is a reserve walk that can take you all the way to Fisherman's Table restaurant, where you can also gain access to the beach. From the train station it’s a quick trip to the beach (either down Beach Road or the Sand Track opposite Cecil Rd). There is parking along Ames Street and The Parade and ample parking available in Queen Elizabeth Park at the end of Wellington Rd. Toilets with baby changing tables are on the corner of Beach and Wellington Roads, at Campbell Park midway along The Parade, just inland after Wainui Stream and at the beginning of Queen Elizabeth Park (turn right after the bridge).

Tips

The Beach does not offer shade nor do the many picnic tables dotted along The Parade, so bring your own sun shelter, suitable clothing and sunblock.
If bringing dogs: Kāpiti Council has maps which show the summer and winter dog exercising areas with dates and times they are open.
People commonly swim all along the beach but please note that rips can be a hazard and it is advisable to know how to spot and avoid one. Paekākāriki Surf Lifesaving Club actively patrol the beach during the summer months at the north end of the beach and encourage public to only swim between the flags.
Lighting a fire is allowed with a fire permit in front of the carparks at the northern end of The Parade.

Dog access area map ➚

Paekakariki Surf Lifeguards

Visit website ➚

The Parade Nth
Queen Elizabeth Park
Paekākāriki

Laura Taylor

[email protected]

The Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards patrol Paekākāriki Beach from November through March. We have a large active membership of junior surf (7-13 years) and senior members (14 years+) & offer competitive training squads for surf sports.

Filed Under: At the beach, A-Z, Clubs & groups, Sports & recreation, With the young

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Fire permits ➚

Coastal Track

Queen Elizabeth Park
Paekākāriki

This much-loved seaside trail offers stunning coastal views and countless places to rest, play, picnic or swim.

Filed Under: Walk nearby, At the beach, A-Z, Directory of Everything, Walks & rides, With dogs, With the young

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Fishing

Paekākāriki

Like most parts of New Zealand, Paekākāriki has some great fishing. Kayak fishing from the beach is very popular, as are longlining and surfcasting. We endeavour to enable locals and visitors to keep enjoying our beach and ocean.

Filed Under: At the beach, A-Z, Directory of Everything

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Coastal Trail Loop

Queen Elizabeth Park

Less than one hour

A wonderful bike trail to Whareroa Beach and back for families and those wanting a scenic, sand-dune burst, ideal for those starting out mountain biking, offering coastal views and countless places to rest, play, picnic or swim.

Filed Under: Ride nearby, At the beach, A-Z, Directory of Everything, Walks & rides, With dogs, With the young

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