Gisborne to Paraparaumu

Just a step way from Wellington lies an area of spectacular sea vistas, glorious sunsets, untouched native forest and dramatic hillscapes. 

As you enter the coast, just 40 minutes drive from central Wellington, and see the magnificent Kapiti Island and the beaches stretching along the coast any thoughts of the city are left behind as the more relaxed, refreshing atmosphere of our coastal region takes over.  Kapiti Coast, home to the Kapiti Island nature and marine reserves and a host of activities ranging from exhilarating outdoor adventures to a superb variety of shopping. 

Add in New Zealand's top golf course, a world class car museum, magnificently restored trams, easily accessible nature reserves and arts and crafts that match the best in the country.

We did our longest drive on our trip today! We could have stopped on the way but figured it would be more hassle getting things out and in of the car with one stopover then trying to leave early, have a longer stop along the way and continue all the way to our dear McIntyre. So that's what we did and it went really well. After passing through all the nice wineries we stopped in Napier for lunch and a nice ice-cream and a visit to their Marine Centre before shooting all the way to Paraparaumu and Lyn and Glenn. So great to see them again! But funny that we got the same feeling as with their son Dave in Gisborne, that even if it was many years ago since we last met it felt as if we saw each other last week. The kids enjoyed the heated spa pool and the adults enjoyed a beer and a glass of wine before being spoiled with served dinner.