Paekakariki

Paekakariki is a small town (population less than 2000) on the Kapiti Coast, about 45km north of Wellington and just under 15 mins from where we're staying at Plimmerton. It's sandwiched between the coast and State Highway 1 that runs along the base of steep hills showing in later photos. We discovered a fabulous beach here. The sand stretched for miles in both directions.

South of Paekakariki, the beaches are all very rocky, and so this sudden change to a beautiful sandy landscape was surprising. This island you can see towards the left is Kapiti Island.

The water was beautiful and warm. We enjoyed waded along through the shallows, and even Lucy was a little braver than usual!

The beautifully restored Paekakariki Railway Station was built in 1909. Just beyond the station and before the hills is State Highway 1.

Just to the right (south) of the main station is this historic Signal Box. The Station Museum is open on weekends and public holidays, so we weren't able to see through it on this visit.

Many of the shops and other buildings in the town centre are painted cheerful colours.

In Maori, Pakakariki means "perching place of the kakatiki (green parrot)". Perhaps this is the inspiration behind this colourful shop frontage.

The window above the door of this fruit and vege shop shows it was a chemist in previous years.

Again, in the background, you can see the steep hills that border the east side of Paekakariki.

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Nikau Reserve Paraparaumu

Nikau Reserve is at Paraparaumu. Dogs are allowed, on leads. The loop walk is an easy walk, or you can go up to the lookout.

Starting out, enjoying the beautiful greenery . . .

It was another hot day—about 28 degrees (Celcius)—so the shade from the Nikaus and trees was wonderful. There was a lovely cool breeze as well.

Then we came to the "Lookout" marker. The sign earlier had said it was a "steep" walk to the lookout. It didn't look too bad from here . . . so we decided to head up to the lookout.

Definitely not too taxing. A lovely walkway with mesh to ensure you don't slip when it's wet.

It was soon apparent that I should have believed the sign. The walkway ended, and the track got steeper. And steeper. Most of the walk was like this.

Steep? Yes, it was.

Then we spied a Keruru lurking in the bush off to the side.

Finally, we reached the top. What a fabulous view! That's Kapiti Island off shore beyond Paraparaumu.

I was feeling very virtuous . . . I'd made it! Then a lady arrived and told us it was her third time up this week. As if that wasn't enough, just as we started to go down, we met another lady who said this was her FIFTH time in a week! Well, I think once was enough for me. The trek to the lookout is certainly an excellent workout.

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