Beaches

Our protected nature and outdoor areas are yours to enjoy. With over 47 kilometres of unspoilt beaches, great rivers for swimming, picnicking and enjoying the outdoors, you could spend weeks here and still discover new places.

Our beaches range from remote stretches of coast to popular, busy family beaches. Picnic, swim, fish, dive, kayak, surf, sail, enjoy sunsets and eat some great local fish and chips. All beaches are safe for swimming and each has its own character: Foxton is renowned for its fishing, sailing, boating, kite surfing and birds; Waitarere is a popular holiday and fishing destination; Otaki is great for walks and fishing and has great views of the Tararua Ranges; Te Horo is remote and has wonderful driftwood for creative inspiration and sculptures; Waikanae has a scientific reserve and migratory birds; at Paraparaumu Beach boats are launched off the sand and the ferry leaves for Kapiti Island; Raumati is good for surfcasting and swimming; and Paekakariki offers surfing and great coastal walks in Queen Elizabeth Park.