Kapiti Coast

Formerly known as The Golden Coast, the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand forms a region opposite to the Kapiti Island, which is geographically located on the south west area of North Island, and is also the northern region of Wellington. It lies in the Wellington Regional Council area of authority.

At one time in history, this coast formed the borders of the two territories of Māori iwi, and hence it is rightfully named as Kapiti, which means joining.

This beautiful and serene coastal district spans itself from Otaki up north to Paekakariki down south, including small hamlets like the Raumati beach, Te Horo, Paraparaumu, Raumati South, Waikanae and still smaller establishments of Peka Peka, Maungakotukutuku and Otaihanga.

Additionally, it also includes the neighboring territories from the north of Porirua Harbor to the south of Plimmerton. On the north, it encompasses the coastal Horowhenua regions like the Waikawa and Hokio beaches which lie in close proximity to the Lake Horowhenua. It stretches itself further towards the Tararua Ranges, although in layman’s terms, such an area is not generally considered to be a division of the coast

The most striking feature of the Kapiti Coast is the Kapiti Island, which originally is a bird sanctuary, which requires a permit to enter the area and visit the place.

The Kapiti Coast has an interesting history with the Maori Chief, Te Rupaurahass securing this coast as its base from where it would attack other tribal establishments in the early 18th century. Some time later, the chief sold the region to William Wakefield of New Zealand, who wished to purchase it for permanent European establishment.
Since then, it has been one of the fastest growing areas of New Zealand.