Paraparaumu, less than an hour north of Wellington by car or electric train, boasts a superb variety of shops, services, restaurants and cafes.
There's plenty to see and do: Tennis and tramping, butterflies and beach walks, swimming, skating, museums and galleries.
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club is the only New Zealand links in Golf Magazine's top 100. Paraparaumu airport, home to the Kapiti Aero and Gliding clubs, is an important centre for recreational flying, gliding and sightseeing.
A little further to the north is Southwards Car Museum and the Lindale Farm Centre.