Seas the day this Kāpiti summer
For us, it’s not summer without a dip to cool off, and plenty of splashing around. Here on the Kāpiti Coast we’re spoilt for choice, with stunning beaches, idyllic indoor and outdoor pools, and shady river swim spots, there’s a swim-time adventure for everyone.
Safety first
We’re all about having a safe and fun time this summer, so make sure you’re in the know:
- at our pools, check out our pool rules and safety before heading down with the kids
- check if it’s safe to swim at our beaches and rivers – we want everyone to stay safe and healthy, so summer keeps on rolling!
Kāpiti Coast Aquatics pools
First up, you just can’t go past our three public pools. The staff are fun and friendly, the water’s warm, and there’s always something going on!
Coastlands Aquatic Centre in Paraparaumu has it all – a shallow toddler pool with a waterfall wall and play features, a programmes pool for learning to swim and those a bit more adventurous, and our main pool where we have lane swimming and inflatables for the kids’ SPLASH! time. There’s also Te Manu Rere, the flying fox AND the hydroslide – and spa and sauna for the grownups!
Waikanae Pool is a stunner. An outdoor pool nestled among the trees, it’s open during the summer season. There’s a toddler pool, programmes pool, and main pool, with grassy areas for picnics, and barbecues and gazebos for hire.. With an outdoor hydroslide as well, Waikanae has all you need for a great whānau day out!
Ōtaki Pool is one of those secret gems we all want to keep to ourselves. Nestled in Haruātai Park, with a toddler pool, main pool, spa and sauna for the grownups, and Te Mania Auheke | The Slippery Slope most days through the summer holidays, AND the Ōtaki splashpad right next door, it’s a stunning place to be.
Image: Waikanae Pool in the sunshine.
Stream (or river) time
The Devil’s Elbow, Waikanae River
A favourite in Waikanae with generations of young people, the Devil’s Elbow’s a great swimming hole on Reikorangi Road. Located about halfway between the end of Elizabeth Street, and the sharp left-hand bend into the Reikorangi Valley, on a sunny day all you’ll need to do is look for the cars parked by the side of the road to see just how popular this spot is for a dip. It’s about a five-minute trek through grass and bush t the river – follow the sound, and have a ball!
Old State Highway 1 Bridge, Waikanae
A perennial favourite, and easy to access both by car (plenty of parking just off the road!) and on foot from Waikanae, the swimming hole at the Old State Highway Bridge is another popular water hole.
Image: Swimming on the Waikanae River.
Whether sunning on the river stones, or splashing in the water, you’re bound to bump into old or new friends.
Edgewater Park, Waikanae
Generally a good shallow spot for a bit of river splashing and dam building. There’s also some deeper spots to have a good dunk to cool off. Have a swing at the park, a run-around on the grass, and enjoy this open riverside space at the end of Fleetwood Grove. Always good to know – there are public toilets in the reserve.
Maple Lane, Waikanae
Another favourite with the taiohi (young people) and families, Maple Lane has a lovely grassy area under the willow trees where you can relax with a picnic and chat while keeping an eye on the young ones – or join in for a few sigma bombs off the rocks! As the name suggests, this swimming hole is accessed from the walkway at the end of Maple Lane. Bring something to eat and drink, and make a day of it!
Jim Cooke Park, Waikanae
At the upstream end of the park, the river tends to be a bit shallower, with good spots for crossing (do bear in mind Te Arawai Footbridge is also just upstream if you’d rather not get wet) and splashing around. As the river goes around the bend ofn the park, it deepens on the Otaraua Park side – great spots for a good dunk under! Do check the depth each time before jumping or diving in, in case anything may have changed.
Otaihanga Domain, Otaihanga
A great spot for small kids and dogs to have a splash, the Domain is a favourite with families in the summer. Bring a picnic and some friends, and spend the day playing games on the grass, cooling off in the river, and enjoying that Kāpiti sunshine.
The Pots, Ōtaki River
At approximately 777 Ōtaki Gorge Road is The Pots Reserve, with a small car park. Down a grassy path is a lovely swimming hole surrounded by bush. There’s rocks to climb on and jump from, and plenty of space. Bring a picnic, sunblock and a sun umbrella, and make a day of it! No wharepaku (toilets), so make sure you go before you go.
Ōtaki Bridge, Ōtaki River
Under the Ōtaki Bridge, there’s a handy swimming spot for a quick dip close to town. Bring a coffee, and watch the kids splashing in the shallows, or join them in the deeper spots. Fun for all the family!
Ōtaki River
Grab your bikes and togs, and spend a day exploring the swimming spots of the Ōtaki River trail from the road bridge to the river mouth! What’s your favourite spot?
River cruise
Why see our coast from a whole new perspective? Grab an inflatable or inner tube, and spend a few hours floating down a river!
Beached as
Ōtaki Beach
Ōtaki Beach is a fantastic spot for a swim – bring a picnic, grab an ice cream, and enjoy! The sandy beach is patrolled, so make sure you swim between the flags. Toilets are located in the Ōtaki Beach Pavilion, near the surf lifesaving club.
Te Horo Beach
A stony beach, Te Horo is awesome not only for swimming, but also building stone sculptures and driftwood creations! Pack water and a picnic, and walk or cycle from Te Horo all the way down to Peka Peka or Waikanae Beach.
Waikanae Beach
A great swimming spot through the Waimeha Domain from the cafes – a super handy spot to take coffee, ice creams or fish and chips! An awesome beach to take the little ones for a dip. Remember that if you’d like to take your dog, you’ll need to head to south of the Waikanae Boating Club (the pale blue flat-roofed building in the dunes at Waimea Road) during the day, as north of the Boating Club is dog-free during the day in summer.
Paraparaumu Beach
Pop down to Paraparaumu Beach for a dip and downtime while exploring the shops and local cafes! There’s a playground and bathroom and changing facilities at the nearby Maclean Park, and multiple ice cream shops are only a hop, skip and a jump from the beach.
Raumati Beach
Ideal for a walk and sandcastle building, or a paddle or swim in gentle surf, Raumati Beach is so close to the wonderful Marine Gardens and Raumati shops. Make a day of it, or pop down for a change of scene when running errands. You won’t regret it!
Paekākāriki Beach
Image: Sunset at the beach (credit: Chris Paulin).
Another patrolled beach, be sure to swim between the flags at Paekākāriki! Great for a splash in the waves – we also recommend keeping an eye out for kororā (penguins) when walking at Paekākāriki. If you head to the south end of the beach there’s great driftwood, and if you’re into rockpools, then Centennial Highway is the place to be!