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| Waikanae is a seaside town located on the Kapiti Coast of the North Island. It is 7km north of Paraparaumu,
and 13km south of Otaki. It has a population of 12,000 with numbers swelling considerably on weekends and during holidays.
Wellington is 50 minutes south and Palmerston North one hour north. Kapiti Island, situated about 5km offshore, is a world-renowned bird sanctuary with daily boat tours from Paraparaumu. Climate Sport and Recreation Education Housing Facilities Travel Times by Car Paraparaumu Wellington |
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Climate
The climate is temperate and fairly dry, with typical summer temperatures of 18 to 28 degrees centigrade and 8 to 18 degrees C in the winter. It never snows and frosts are rare. Waikanae residents pride themselves on their gardens. Most tropical plants survive, providing flowering and colourful gardens throughout the year. Pohutukawa and Norfolk pines are prominent with a wide range of other native and exotic trees.
Sport and Recreation
The Kapiti Coast offers safe swimming beaches with excellent fishing and diving areas (particularly around Kapiti Island)
Sporting facilities are extensive, and within a short travel distance. There are three large swimming pools, several gyms/fitness centres and squash courts. Waikanae has an attractive golf course and three others (one of international standard) are within 30 minutes drive.
There are numerous children's playgrounds in the area and plenty of walking trails catering for all tastes and levels of fitness.
Waikanae is also handy to the Tararua Ranges, which provide wonderful opportunities for tramping from day trips to week long expeditions. The Otaki River is suitable for white water rafting and kayaking and there are many good mountain biking opportunities in the area.
Education
There are two excellent local primary schools in Waikanae, Waikanae School and Kapanui School, and two secondary schools in Paraparaumu, Paraparaumu College and Kapiti College. There are also private (day or boarding) schools available in Wellington well serviced by the trains.
A state kindergarten and Montessori centre offer pre-school education.
Waikanae also has three preschool daycare centres with excellent reputations.
Housing
Rental housing in the area costs around $200 - $400 per week depending on location, house size etc.
Facilities
Retail outlets include two supermarkets, a Post Office, two bookshops, Library, two Chemists, Art Gallery and five restaurants, There is a patchwork and quilting shop, an antique shop, two hairdressers, a barber, three fish and chip shops and a number of excellent cafes in the town and close by. There are two large building/hardware outlets, several legal firms, four banks, numerous real estate firms, two garages, several motels and numerous bed and breakfast places (80 businesses in total).
Travel Times by Car
Paraparaumu
Ten minutes south provides more comprehensive shopping, with a large mall and a cinema with five screens. There are also two amateur dramatic theatres.
A regular commuter train service to Wellington city starts from here and the journey takes approximately one hour.
Wellington
Fifty five minutes drive (or by train).
It has a beautiful harbour, superb arts and culture and numerous restaurants and cafes. It boasts several theatres (Opera, Ballet, Plays) a large concert hall and a sports stadium where international events are held. The bi-annual, three week Arts Festival draws many international performers.
Te Papa, our "state of the art" national museum, was opened in 1998.