Paraparaumu is the largest town on the Kāpiti Coast and has benefited from the motorway bypass that moved the main highway away from the town.
The main feature of the town is Paraparaumu Beach. This is a continuation of the 18 km of sandy coast that runs from Paekākāriki through Raumati to the Waikanae Estuary on the north side of the town. The beach is popular for walking, and Te Araroa runs along its entire length.
Paraparaumu Beach is very different in character to the Raumati to Paekākāriki sections, being much wider and directly opposite Kāpiti Island. There is a fair bit of development by the beach with walkways, parks and eateries.
On a nice weekend, people park their cars on the beach and push their boats out, the ultimate kiwi lifestyle for many. It is also the place to get a boat to visit the Kāpiti Island eco sanctuary.
A wonderful place for sunset shots with Kāpiti Island in the background.
