Just north of Paraparaumu, the bustling heart of the Kapiti Coast, is the more serene Waikanae, a town of neat gardens and excellent restaurants.

A deceptively large population of 15,000 has a fair percentage of discerning retirees, who enjoy a sunny climate and abundant leisure activities. However, Waikanae also attracts large numbers of tourists who fill beach-front holiday homes that look out over sweeping vistas of sandy, easy-stroll beaches to Kapiti Island, only five kilometres distant.

Waikanae is a town of seasons – a Mecca for out-of-towners in the summer, a garden showcase in spring and autumn, and a cosy spot for sumptuous meals at fine restaurants and cafés during winter.

For the actively inclined, the town has a wealth of leisure facilities, including an 18-hole golf course for casual players and members. While enjoyable for the casual golfer, the course is challenging enough to be the qualifying venue when the New Zealand Open is played at nearby Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club.

From Labour Weekend until the end of March, Waikanae’s heated outdoor swimming pool offers fun for the kids and an opportunity to relax in the shade on an expansive grassed area. The beaches are great for swimming, boating and surfing, and strollers can walk for hours north and south along the grey sands. The Waikanae River, on the southern outskirts of the town, provides safe swimming holes and scenic walkways.

Heading for the hills, the Tararua Ranges are excellent for tramping and hunting.

Visitors to the unique Nga Manu Nature Reserve at Waikanae can see and learn about a diverse range of New Zealand’s flora, fauna and birdlife – many on the threatened species list. Apart from learning about New Zealand’s delicate eco-system, there are kiwis, tuataras, wetas, tuis and more to observe first-hand.

Art lovers will enjoy local artwork at Mahara Gallery in Mahara Square, and Reikorangi Pottery Park east of the highway has pottery displays and paintings, animals in a wilderness garden and a relaxing café.

The Waikanae Information Office is in the library at Mahara Square.

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