Destination guides > Pacific Islands > New Zealand > Wellington Region > Kapiti Coast > Paraparaumu
Paraparaumu
Paraparaumu is the largest town on the Kapiti Coast, and has lots of good shopping and eating options; once primarily a holiday resort, “Paraperam” has become home to residents who commute to Wellington. It doesn’t quite have the charm of some of the other Kapiti Coast towns but it makes a good base for exploring the area.
Paraparaumu Beach lies a little to the west of the main area of development around the train station. It’s a very good swimming beach and has more of a small-town atmosphere. Ferries to Kapiti Island depart from here. Another attraction, though maybe not a big one for backpackers, is the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, which is considered by many to be New Zealand’s best golf course. Lord of the Rings fans take note: director Peter Jackson attended secondary school at Kapiti College in Paraparaumu.
Coming & going
Wellington’s TranzMetro (tel (04) 801 7000) suburban rail system has regular trains to Paraparaumu. The one-way fare is $9 ($6.50 off peak), but a day trip is better value with the $10 Day Rover travel pass, making it an affordable excursion from the city. Trains run approximately every half hour.
Hostel accommodation
Barnacles Seaside Inn (YHA Paraparaumu)
3 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach
Tel (04) 902 5856 or 0800 555 856
|
|
