Quick Facts
Paraparaumu for Families — Overview
Paraparaumu (and the wider Kāpiti Coast) is a beach community 45 minutes north of Wellington. It's home to one of NZ's best miniature railways, excellent patrolled surf beaches, and Kāpiti Island — one of NZ's most important wildlife sanctuaries (booking required). The Kāpiti Coast has a relaxed, local feel quite different from the tourist hotspots.
Top Things to Do in Paraparaumu with Kids
- ✓ Paraparaumu Beach — long, wide, patrolled in summer; excellent surf and bodyboarding
- ✓ Lindale Farm Park (Paraparaumu) — farm animals, playground, free to enter main area
- ✓ Southward Car Museum — world-class collection of rare vehicles. Kids love it. $18/adult.
- ✓ Kāpiti Island Nature Reserve — predator-free island sanctuary; book a guided tour to see kiwi, kākāpō (by luck), weka, and tūī. Must book months ahead.
- ✓ Fly by Wire (Paekakariki, 15 min south) — wire swinging experience, thrilling for 10+
- ✓ Raumati Beach — quieter alternative to Paraparaumu Beach, great for families
Rainy Day Options — Paraparaumu
Where to Stay in Paraparaumu with Kids
Good holiday park options along the coast. Very popular in summer — book ahead.
Find Paraparaumu Accommodation on Booking.com →Paraparaumu Family Budget Guide
Good value. Beaches free. Kāpiti Island tour ~$90/adult (includes boat + guide).
Use the NZ Family Travel Budget Calculator to plan your full trip spend.
Paraparaumu Family FAQ
How do we book Kāpiti Island?
Kāpiti Island is a heavily protected DOC reserve — numbers are limited and you must book in advance. Book the ferry and guided tour through Kāpiti Island Nature Tours (kapitiisland.com) or Kāpiti Island Alive. Morning tours include guided walks and bird spotting; overnight stays are also possible. Book 4–8 weeks ahead, earlier for school holidays. It's one of the best wildlife experiences in NZ.
Is the Kāpiti Coast a good base for Wellington?
Yes — the Kāpiti Coast is an excellent base if you want beaches and space with easy access to Wellington. The Paraparaumu train station has regular Metlink trains into Wellington city (50 min), so you can do Wellington as a day trip without driving.
Nearby Destinations to Combine with Paraparaumu
All NZ City Family Guides →
Family guides for 33 NZ cities and towns — from Whangarei to Invercargill.