Kapiti Gold Coast Tour from Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand
Rating: 
Trip Type: Day Trips
Duration: Varies
Explore the Kapiti Coast on a scenic tour that follows a coastal route north of Wellington to Otaki. Stop at historic sites like Camp Russell and Rangiatea Church; discover natural treasures at Nga Manu Nature Reserve and Queen Elizabeth Park; get amazing views of the North and South Islands and marvel at rare vehicles in a vintage car museum in Paraparaumu. Enjoy lunch at a beachside cafe, plus stops for morning tea and afternoon snacks. Throughout the day, your experienced guide shares informative commentary on the history of this magnificent region.
More About This Activity All Day Trips →
Explore the Kapiti Coast on a scenic tour that follows a coastal route north of Wellington to Otaki. Stop at historic sites like Camp Russell and Rangiatea Church; discover natural treasures at Nga Manu Nature Reserve and Queen Elizabeth Park; get amazing views of the North and South Islands and marvel at rare vehicles in a vintage car museum in Paraparaumu. Enjoy lunch at a beachside cafe, plus stops for morning tea and afternoon snacks. Throughout the day, your experienced guide shares informative commentary on the history of this magnificent region.After pickup from your Wellington hotel, relax in air-conditioned comfort as your coach rounds Wellington’s scenic harbor and takes you through the Lower Hutt Valley just north of the city.
Travel through the scenic farmland of Pauatahanui before making your first stop at historic Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, where fighting between Maori and British forces took place in 1847. Learn from your guide about the region’s history as you take in views of snow-capped mountains. Then head to nearby Paekakariki Hill Summit and soak in panoramic views over Kapiti Island and the South Island.
Driving north along a pretty coastal route to Queen Elizabeth Park, stop to see the former Camp Russell, the base for the US Marine Corps during World War II. Continue through Paraparaumu, the main town of the Kapiti Coast, to the restored colonial homestead of renowned chef Ruth Pretty. Enjoy morning tea inside the house or on the verandah, surrounded by lovely gardens.
Nearby, have time to explore Nga Manu Nature Reserve where you can see New Zealand’s protected kiwi bird, more than 50 different bird species and approximately 700 different species of native plants. The reserve also contains the largest remaining original lowland coastal swamp forest on the Kapiti Coast.
In the town of Otaki, marvel at the historic Rangiatea Church, built in 1851. Rangiatea incorporates both English and Maori styles, with spectacular Maori designs adorning the interior.
Have a light lunch at a beach cafe then make your next stop at Southward Car Museum. Admire the collection of more than 400 rare automobiles, including Marlene Dietrich's Cadillac and Chicago gangster Mickey Cohen's armor-plated limousine. Then enjoy an afternoon snack of delicious local cheeses and coffee before returning to Wellington.
Travel through the scenic farmland of Pauatahanui before making your first stop at historic Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, where fighting between Maori and British forces took place in 1847. Learn from your guide about the region’s history as you take in views of snow-capped mountains. Then head to nearby Paekakariki Hill Summit and soak in panoramic views over Kapiti Island and the South Island.
Driving north along a pretty coastal route to Queen Elizabeth Park, stop to see the former Camp Russell, the base for the US Marine Corps during World War II. Continue through Paraparaumu, the main town of the Kapiti Coast, to the restored colonial homestead of renowned chef Ruth Pretty. Enjoy morning tea inside the house or on the verandah, surrounded by lovely gardens.
Nearby, have time to explore Nga Manu Nature Reserve where you can see New Zealand’s protected kiwi bird, more than 50 different bird species and approximately 700 different species of native plants. The reserve also contains the largest remaining original lowland coastal swamp forest on the Kapiti Coast.
In the town of Otaki, marvel at the historic Rangiatea Church, built in 1851. Rangiatea incorporates both English and Maori styles, with spectacular Maori designs adorning the interior.
Have a light lunch at a beach cafe then make your next stop at Southward Car Museum. Admire the collection of more than 400 rare automobiles, including Marlene Dietrich's Cadillac and Chicago gangster Mickey Cohen's armor-plated limousine. Then enjoy an afternoon snack of delicious local cheeses and coffee before returning to Wellington.
« Go Back