Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting here from Wellington is a breeze by car: just follow SH1 for 30 minutes to
Paekakariki, and around 45 to Paraparaumui. It's motorway most of the way.
TRAIN
Tranz Metro (
Click here
)
commuter trains between Wellington and the coast are easier
and more frequent than buses. Services run from Wellington to Paraparaumu ($12, gener-
ally half-hourly off-peak between 6am and 11pm, with more services at peak times), stop-
ping en route in Paekakariki ($10.50). Weekday off-peak fares (9am to 3pm) are up to $2
cheaper.
KiwiRail Scenic Journeys
( 04-495 0775, 0800 872 467;
www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz
)
has long-distance
Northern Explorer
trains connecting Wellington and Auckland stopping at Paraparaumu,
while the weekday-only, peak-hour
Capital Connection,
travelling to Wellington in the
morning and back to Palmerston North in the evening, stops at Paraparaumu, Waikanae
and Otaki.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Paekakariki
POP 1665
Paekakariki is an arty little seaside village stretched along a black-sand beach, serviced by
a train station and passed by the highway to Wellington, 41km to the south.
Sights & Activities
Queen Elizabeth Park
PARK
(SH1; gates 8am-8pm)
One of the last relatively unchanged areas of dune and wet-
land along this coast, this undulating 650-hectare beachside park offers swimming, walk-
ing, cycling and picnicking opportunities, as well as the Tramway Museum and Stables on
the Park. There are three entrances: off Wellington Rd in Paekakariki, at MacKay's Cross-
ing on SH1, and off the Esplanade in Raumati to the north.
MUSEUM
Tramway Museum
(
www.wellingtontrams.org.nz
; MacKay's Crossing entrance, Queen Elizabeth Park; admission by donation, all-day tram
rides adult/child/family $10/5/24;
museum 10am-4.30pm daily, trams 11am-4.30pm Sat & Sun, daily 26 Dec-late