Local Attractions
Take the Coastline Train from Paraparaumu Station into central Wellington. This is a 45 - 50 minute journey along the coast with winding tunnels and stops at many coastal villages, any of which provides picture perfect walks, local shops and cafes and picnic and swimming opportunities.
The train pulls into Wellington and you can walk from the platform directly into Westpac Stadium, venue for major sporting events and concerts - quite literally a five minute stroll along the platform.
Every ten minutes a double-decker bus collects passengers outside the railway station and departs along the harbourside for Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, from there it heads down the Golden Mile of shops stopping close to Cable Car Lane, and then on towards the Beehive, Houses of Parliament, and then back to the railway station.
You can walk around the harbour beside the water stopping at restaurants, pubs, parks and cafes. The shopping and business districts are 100 meters inland. Jump on any local bus and chances are you will find youself high in the hills surrounded by all the houses clinging to the hills with wonderful views - all buses end up back at the railway station so you never get lost. Trains commute between Wellington and Paraparaumu every thirty minutes.
The Villages
There are eight coastal villages within 20 minutes of Waterfall Road, mostly accessible by the train journey, should you decide to get off before Wellington. Each village is full of interest, all are different with their own character and have romantic hidden beaches and walks - perfect for a morning of exploring and dining in the excellent cafes, or picnicing.
The Cities
Three cities to enjoy or avoid...
Wellington mentioned already.
Hutt City in Lower Hutt. The Hutt River flows from the ranges behind Little Waterfall Road through the Hutt Valley and out into Wellington Harbour. An interesting 20-25 minute drive leads you to the northern edge of Wellington Harbour where standing on the Petone Foreshore you look across to Wellington and out to sea through Wellington Heads, the harbour entrance and the inter-island ferries coming and going. A worthwhile excursion is to head further around the harbour to the village of Eastbourne - this is a very beautiful journey and if you have bikes you can continue on from where the road stops around to Pencarrow Lighthouse, the track you are on is only a yard from the open sea with views of the bottom of the North Island and the top of the South Island.
The Golf Courses
There are six within 15-20 minutes of Waterfall Road. All are lovely country courses. 18 holes of golf from $25 upwards to approximately $45. Included in these is the Paraparaumu International Golf Links - as enjoyed by Tiger Woods. A guide is available to ensure you end up at the nineteenth hole at the end of the round, and having easily played a superior game. Golf clubs are provided, you are able to hire clubs at most of the golf courses.
Local Treasures
These are plentiful! We can send you out and about with brochures and directions and you can phone in if you get lost. You can make the most of the local know-it-all tour guide for a modest fee. She will gather you up and whisk you through the local artist's roadmap, with visits to their studios, antique shops, the Southwards Car Museum, and the Lavender Farm at Te Horo. Time well-spent is a visit to the Lindale Centre about 10 minutes away. You can sample fantastic local cheeses and the even more fantastic local Kapiti Icecream. Allow a day!
There are many farm animals, easily accessible to pat and coo over. Visit the Honey Hive where an array of bee-type goods are on display, and of course scrummy honey. Browse through every type of hand-knitted jumper, scarf, hat in natural New Zealand wool. Check out the Merino-Possum fur mixes, the softest, cosiest garments of them all. The local treasures tours leave at 10:30am and return when you are exhausted or at 2pm. Having stopped for lunch anywhere you so desire. A day well spent.