Queen Elizabeth Park is a huge reserve on the Kāpiti Coast between Paekakariki and Raumati. When you see the sign, drive in from State Highway 1 from the motorway off-ramp. The park is known as the site of a US Marine Corps base during WWII, and it has a memorial and historic sites. There are also extensive tracks for walking, biking, horse riding, and beach access.
But we especially liked the reestablished lagoon just beyond the marine memorial. The fabulous weather, reflections, and dozens of swooping pīwakawaka (fantails) enhanced our enjoyment enormously.
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