The Kapiti Coast

Stunning beaches, bush clad hills, and an island nature reserve, the Kapiti Coast stretches 40 Km from Otaki in the north to Paekakariki in the south. Only 40 minutes from Wellington and the Hutt Valley, you can explore the towering Tararua Ranges to the east and within 30 minutes be swimming at one of the many beaches in the west.

The region has a  rich heritage of produce growing, high quality manufacturing and providing sea, sand and sun for many of the nation’s holiday-makers. Enjoying a central location, excellent transport links, a skilled workforce, and a cost-effective and stable business environment, the Kapiti Coast is a thriving community of over 42,000 people. Employment opportunities are increasing, it’s a great place to bring up children and considered by many a great place to retire. It’s estimated that there will be over 51,000 “Coasters” by 2021.

Several townships make up the Kapiti Coast including Paekakariki, known for its resident artists; the rural town of Otaki;  Waikanae, a peaceful yet growing town, and Paraparaumu, the region’s largest town with excellent facilities.

The population of the Kapiti District was 41,900 in June 2000. The number of people living in the district rose 1.7% over the year to June, well above the figures for the wider Wellington Region and New Zealand (0.1% and 0.5% respectively).

Since 1986, Kapiti’s population has grown by 2.4% per year on average, more than twice as fast as New Zealand’s. Kapiti District had the sixth fastest growing population of any local authority in New Zealand over this period.

 View of the Coast from Paekakariki Hill