Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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.
Tramway Museum
MUSEUM
(
www.wellingtontrams.org.nz
; MacKay's Crossing entrance, Queen Elizabeth Park; admission by dona-
tion, 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 Jan)
A glimpse into historic Wellington by way of
restored wooden trams and museum displays housed in a large garage, and on a 2km tram
ride through Queen Elizabeth Park down to the beach. On-site ice-cream kiosk.
Stables on the Park
HORSE RIDING
( 027 448 6764, 06-364 3336;
www.stablesonthepark.co.nz
;
MacKay's Crossing entrance, Queen
Elizabeth Park; 30-90min ride $50-100; open most days in summer)
Mandy and friends run
guided rides on well-mannered horses. The 1½-hour trek will see you trot along the beach
with views of Kapiti Island before heading inland on park tracks. Beginners are welcome.
Sleeping & Eating
Paekakariki Holiday Park
HOLIDAY PARK $
( 04-292 8292;
www.paekakarikiholidaypark.co.nz
; 180 Wellington Rd; sites per adult from $16,
cabins & flats from $65;
)
This large, leafy park has rather tired and dated facilities, but
