Make the move to the Kāpiti Coast for a balanced lifestyle. Easily connected to Wellington and the Manawatū, being a Kāpiti Coaster offers the best of both worlds.
If the primary natural advantage is our location, then the second layer is our climate and laid back beachside vibe. From its 40km coastline of sandy beaches and lush native forests, to its dynamic town centres and innovative business environment, Kāpiti is a destination like no other making it an ideal location for both business and living.
In Kāpiti, you’ll find a harmonious blend of rich history and innovation, where local artisans, forward-thinking entrepreneurs, and passionate community members come together to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Sunday Cantina, Raumati South
Paekākāriki
Paekākāriki is a colourful coastal village full of character, culture and history. Just a short commute to Wellington, it offers a beautiful gateway to the Kāpiti Coast. Boasting boutique cafes and the distinctive Paekākāriki General Store, all set in a township with true artistic flair. It is also home to some key attractions like the Escarpment Track, Wellington Tramway Museum and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Raumati
Meaning ‘summer’ in te reo Māori, Raumati really is summertime in a township. Offering playful family spaces at Marine Gardens, boutique shopping and a wonderful selection of eateries. This creative precinct includes a beautiful performing arts facility, Te Raukura ki Kāpiti and scattered art galleries to explore. Raumati is undeniably a vibrant destination for business people, locals and tourists alike.
Paraparaumu
Paraparaumu forms the central business hub of the Coast including industrial precincts, food and beverage manufacturing facilities, and a domestic airport. You will also find shopping hubs, transport hubs, an aquatic centre and even a car museum with one of the largest collections in Australasia. Paraparaumu Beach offers a different pace with cool eateries and boutique retail all located a stone's throw from the picturesque sandy beach.
Waikanae
Waikanae township is home to the award-winning Toi Mahara Gallery, featuring world-class art. Housed in the retail precinct of Waikanae with charming shops, cafes and eateries, plus a boutique cinema. The township is located directly on the Wellington train line connecting it effortlessly with Wellington. Waikanae also delivers unique outdoor experiences like Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, the Waikanae river and Estuary, featuring a multitude of walking and cycle ways.
Te Horo
Te Horo has a rich history dating back to early Māori settlement, and became an early transport hub in the 1880s. This rural haven is home to a close-knit community, including a boutique selection of artisan producers, lifestyle properties and luxury accommodation hotspots. It is strategically positioned alongside SH1 with great access while retaining its rural outlook, and has a number of destination businesses supporting the horticultural focus of the area.
Ōtaki
Ōtaki, a fast-growing town, that proudly stands as one of Aotearoa’s most well-known bilingual towns. Made up of two district centres the historic town centre to the west is a significant cultural and education precinct, home to Te Wānanga o Raukawa. It is a beacon for indigenous filmmakers, housing the Māoriland Hub, known for its storytelling through film and digital technology. To the East, connected to Transmission Gully, a retail precinct attracts visitors and locals to its destination stores and outlet shopping. Ōtaki also has a thriving industrial hub with businesses exporting domestically and internationally.
Industrial and Commercial Precincts
Kāpiti is fortunate to have several industrial precincts, all within easy reach of SH1 and Kāpiti Coast Airport, providing ample opportunities for pakihi / businesses to establish and expand operations.
Kāpiti Destination Story
The Kāpiti Destination Story defines and presents cohesive and shareable regionally themed stories aimed at supporting our local identity, pride, and profile in Aotearoa New Zealand, and internationally.
The Kāpiti Destination Story is a comprehensive toolkit made up of our positioning statement, images, videos, infographics, case studies, and a presentation template.
These assets are free to use, and along with the story narrative, will help the Kāpiti community to stand strong in our sense of self. Along with the assets included in the toolkit, anyone can use the words within the key pillar stories to support their own business.
Kāpiti Coast business units increased by 3.6% in 2023, outpacing the national average of 1.7%.
The Kāpiti Coast District is a thriving place experiencing growth in population, business and investment, with significant new infrastructure supporting this growth and home to Kāpiti Coast Airport. Home to a collaborative business ecosystem that is primed to make the most of new amenities and growth opportunities.
With a population forecast to grow, more businesses are expected, connected by the Kāpiti Expressway, Transmission Gully and the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway. In future, Kāpiti will be connected to the Ōtaki to Levin highway, a road of national significance.
The Kāpiti Coast District offers a diverse selection of early learning centres, primary schools, colleges, and Kura Kaupapa Māori, along with convenient transport links to Wellington for parents and caregivers seeking private education.
Primary Schools
Te Horo
Early Learning
Kāpiti is fast becoming the location of choice for innovative businesses in the Wellington Region.
Supported by business led strategies, focused on building a resilient Kāpiti economy with productive and innovative F&B, Tech and Tourism clusters that are sustainable and future focused.
Our businesses are making their mark nationally and internationally with a supportive ecosystem and culture of collaboration, and connectedness.