Waikanae Beach on the Kapiti Coast – the Nature Coast – offers many enjoyable and relaxing activities for the whole family. Come and see for yourself.

• Just north of Paraparaumu on SHI visit the Lindale Centre (www.kapiti.org.nz) home of Kapiti Cheeses and icecream, also the Olive Shop, the Honey Hive and many other specialty shops.

• Visit Southwards Museum Trust (www.southward.org.nz) to see one of the largest and most comprehensive privately owned collections of veteran and vintage cars in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Take a picnic lunch and visit Nga Manu Nature Reserve (www.ngamanu.co.nz) eel feeding, native birds and lizards, bush walks, not to mention the unique range of native plants etc. Or visit Staglands Wildlife Reserve (www.staglands.co.nz) in the Akatarawa Valley.

• Drive a little further north and on the southern approach to Shannon you will discover Owlcatraz (www.owlcatraz.co.nz) where you can interact with New Zealand native birds and farm animals.

• You may like to go horse-riding at Ferndale Equestrian Centre (www.ferndalehorses.com), take on a round of golf at one or more of the seven golf courses in the Kapiti-Horowhenua region or simply enjoy a leisurely walk with our very own “birdman” Mik Peryer Kapiti Bird Tours (www.kapitibirdtours.co.nz), who will regale and delight you with stories of the love-lives of our more colourful feather friends.

• The creative spirit burns bright in Kapiti as painters, sculptors, jewellers, mosaic makers, metalworkers and potters take inspiration from the environment.

• Once a year the Nature Coast hosts its official Arts Trail, attracting thousands of visitors from all over New Zealand. This popular event is usually held in November, and the Waikanae Garden Trail in December – both of these events not to be missed.

• Last but not least, Kapiti Island – a window on times past. Kapiti Island is the most significant predator-free nature reserve in New Zealand. It has the widest, most diverse range of endangered species anywhere in the country. During the summer months Kapiti Island is a popular destination so it pays to book at least a month ahead for a weekday visit and a couple of months ahead for weekends although plenty of spaces are available over early winter, spring and autumn, which are good times of the year to see the island’s native birds. Contact www.kapititours.co.nz for further information.

These are just some of the many attractions here for your enjoyment on the Nature Coast. As already mentioned above, come and see for yourself.