Paraparaumu Accommodation and Attractions
Paraparaumu Information
Located on the west coast of the lower North Island, Paraparaumu (often shortened to Paraparam by locals) is the largest town in the region known as the Kapiti Coast which stretches from the northen regions of Wellington to Otaki in the north. It is common for towns in this and some other parts of New Zealand to lie a short distance inland and have a second township right on the coast with "Beach" added to the placename. This includes the towns of Te Horo, Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati. Other smaller localities in the area include Maungakotukutuku, Otaihanga, and Peka Peka.
Kapiti Island is one of the most famous nearby landmarks. This is a bird sanctuary, and a recommended place to visit (a permit is required). Kapiti Island figured in Peter Jackson's movie "King Kong" with the scenes approaching the lost island of King Kong shot in the waters between Raumati Beach and the island.
Kapiti means "joining" or "boundary" - the island was at one time the boundary between the rohe (territories) of two Maori iwi. The Kapiti Coast is well-known for its cheeses and other products from Lindale. One of the Southern Hemisphere's largest car collections is at the Southward Car Museum in Otaihanga, and a popular ridable miniature railway operates in Raumati Marine Gardens.