On the southeastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand is the coastal resort community up Raumati Beach. This historically significant community has attracted holiday-goers for over 100 years. New Zealand has no shortage of epic beach and mountain views, and Raumati Beach really does give you the best of both. As Raumati Beach is also well-known for fishing and scenic boat tours, many come here to take advantage of a relaxing and adventurous day on the water. Families feel very welcome spending their holiday here for the family activities, like the Kapiti Miniature Railway, and local parks for outdoor recreation.
Things to do in Raumati Beach
Whether you are planning to visit Raumati Beach with family, a group of friends, running solo, or with your significant other, you’ll find a host of great things to do while enjoying the beautiful summer weather. The beach is, of course, the most popular destination at Raumati Beach, but it is by no means the only attraction. On the coast you will find a vast expanse of golden sand that’s great for an early morning jog, having a picnic with the kids or to simply relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. The nearby nature parks and outdoor spots make up days of extra activities to enjoy, even with young children
Raumati Marine Gardens
One of the best locations around Raumati Beach for a bit of family-fun and spending time outdoors is the Raumati Marine Gardens. This public park that is just a short walk from the coast is popular for outdoor recreation enjoyed by locals and holiday-travellers alike. Families especially love Raumati Marine Gardens for the Kapiti Miniature Railway that operates Sundays, which is a miniature train ride with bridges and tunnels that has been adored by children for decades. There’s also a splash pad for kids and uniquely designed playgrounds, not to mention picnic areas to have a BBQ with friends.
Raumati South
The coastal community of Raumati South is a great place to wander about and enjoy beautiful parks and a family-friendly vibe. The most prominent spot to check out is the Queen Elizabeth Park, which is an expansive natural dunes area of the coastline that preserves the way New Zealand looked before major development took place. The expansive natural green space, outdoor activities, and historic buildings make this a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast and offers a chance for fun and educational experiences with the kids. While you are in Raumati South but you could also pay a visit to the rather whimsical alpaca farm or Tramway Museum for family fun
Paekakariki Escarpment Track
If you love hiking and incredible views, then Paekakariki Escarpment Track is the perfect spot at Raumati Beach to spend the day. You could plan for a short hike to enjoy a few hours under the sun, or try a challenging trek across all 10km of the scenic escarpment. The views that you get to experience as you hike your way along the trail are some of the best you’ll find anywhere around Raumati Beach, and you will want to snap a few pics as you make your way across one of the swinging bridges. The Paekakariki Escarpment Track has areas suitable for pushchairs or little legs, but you'll find more challenging sections for active older kids.
Raumati Beach accommodation
From holiday homes to beachfront bungalows to apartments to luxury hotels, whatever accommodation that will best fit your holiday needs you will find near Raumati Beach. Self-catering holiday homes are a very popular choice because of the freedom to see the sights at your own pace and the flexibility to enjoy the food that you want to, not to mention you have fully furnished amenities. Coastal accommodations book up fast because of the amazing views and often conveniently direct beach access. Because Raumati Beach is so used to hosting out-of-towners, you can find a huge selection of rentals available to you on any budget.
Raumati Beach weather
Raumati Beach temperatures sit around highs of 20°C during the summer holiday months and averages about 6 days of rainfall during this time. The summers here are very comfortable, and while it’s not known for laying out on the beach all day, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. The mild temperatures mean that hiking, boating, picnicking, and spending time on the beach are very fun and practical activities to plan for your holiday. Often starting the day with a light jacket or sweatshirt will mean feeling comfortable in shorts and a T-shirt by mid-day.