Explore Kāpiti

With 40 kilometres of coastline dotted with beautiful beaches and incredible views, it’s no surprise Kāpiti is so popular during the warmer months with locals and visitors alike! Afterall, home is where the coast is.

We have over 500 hectares of parks and sports grounds, and over 200 kilometres of tracks, trails, and horse-riding paths. We're spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring our backyard – there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Children sliding down a water slide

Get out with the kids!

We have a calendar full of events and an activity sheet [PDF 957 KB] for ngā tamariki (the kids) – with flying foxes, pool fun, driftwood forts and plenty more to keep them busy.

Kāpiti comes alive in summer with heaps to see and do. You can enjoy pool parties, reading challenges, library programmes, the Ōtaki Kite Festival, creative workshops, exhibitions and outdoor favourites like concerts and Movies in the Park — all celebrating our coastal energy and vibrant community spirit.

Explore whats on over summer

Kid on surf board

Our beaches

We're spoilt for choice with our beaches, and with 40 kilometres of coastline, it's hard to choose just one to visit.

Whether you're swimming, fishing, kayaking, kite-flying, picnicking, horseback riding, dog walking, building sandcastles, or playing beach cricket, our map will help you find all the sand and surf Kāpiti has to offer.

So go ahead and "seas" the day!

Explore our beaches

Two people biking on a trail

Our tracks and trails

Kāpiti has an excellent network of cycling, walking and horse-riding trails for all ages and fitness levels. From short, scenic loops to longer back-country adventures, there’s something for casual explorers as well as those looking for a challenge. Many of our paths connect parks, rivers, beaches and town centres, making it easy to plan a relaxed outing or a full-day journey.

Get out and make the most of our beautiful Kāpiti Coast with whānau and friends.

Explore our tracks and trails

Kids on a swing

Parks and playgrounds

From quiet relaxation to working off energy, our parks and reserves have something for everyone! Choose from the hills, coast, forests, waterways, local urban parks, or one of our 49 neighbourhood playgrounds. You can even use our parks search to find a park or playground that suits your needs! 

All our parks, playgrounds and reserves are looked after by Council staff and are free for everyone to enjoy.

Explore our parks

Explore Kāpiti

Discover somewhere new, whether you’re visiting or exploring your own backyard. The Kāpiti Coast’s natural beauty is breathtaking, with spectacular views from bush-clad tracks right across the district.

Come for the day, stay for the weekend, or take your time wandering—just don’t forget your walking shoes!

Visit our destination website

Kids playing at the pool

Kids activity sheet

Check out the competition we’re running over summer!
We’d love to see you get out there to explore, experience, and enjoy our backyard safely – and you could win:

  • 1x Family pass to the pools
  • 1x Family Pass to Gold for Good (mini golf)
  • 1x Family Pass to Ngā Manu Nature Reserve

When you’ve completed as much as you can, let us know using the QR code on your sheet, or by filling out this form. Snap some pictures along the way too – we love seeing you enjoying Kāpiti, our facilities, and our events!

Download our kids' activity sheet [PDF 957 KB]