A big weekend on the Kāpiti Coast
There’s a lot happening on the coast this weekend.
From live music at the Kāpiti Classic to the colourful skies of the Ōtaki Kite Festival, it’s the perfect excuse to spend a few days exploring the district.
Between tunes and kites, take time to enjoy everything else the coast does best - great coffee, long beach walks, and plenty of local spots worth discovering along the way.
Kāpiti Classic
Date
14 March 2026
Time
11am - 7pm (Gates open at 11.30am)
Location
Southward Car Museum, Otaihanga
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Calendar
Ōtaki Kite Festival
Date
14 - 15 March 2026
Time
10am - 4pm
Location
Ōtaki Beach
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Calendar
Day one: Saturday 14 March
Coffee to start the day
Start the day the Kāpiti way, with great coffee.
From Waikanae Village to Paraparaumu Beach, local cafés are the perfect place to ease into the morning before heading to the festival.
Grab a flat white, pick up a pastry, and enjoy a relaxed start to the day.
Coffee & a morning treat
Kāpiti Classic
Southward Car Museum, Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu
Spend the afternoon enjoying live music in the amphitheatre as some of Aotearoa’s most loved artists take the stage.
Gates open at 11:30am, with music kicking off from early afternoon.
Expect classic Kiwi songs, a great crowd, and a full day of festival atmosphere.
Kāpiti Classic
Dinner on the coast
After a full day of music, wind down with dinner somewhere along the coast.
You might find yourself at a relaxed beachside restaurant, a local favourite in Waikanae Village, or enjoying a drink while the sun sets over the water.
It’s the perfect way to end the day.
Evening eats & coastal flavours
Day two: Sunday 15 March
Brunch by the beach
Start Sunday slowly.
Find a café near the water, order brunch, and enjoy a relaxed morning before heading north to Ōtaki.
Brunch by the beach
Hit the beach at the Ōtaki Kite Festival
Ōtaki Beach
Head to Ōtaki Beach where the Ōtaki Kite Festival brings colour and creativity to the coastline.
Watch giant kites soar above the shoreline, explore the market stalls, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day.
It’s one of the most memorable sights on the coast.
Ōtaki Kite Festival
Family-Friendly Fun
If you’ve made a weekend of it, there’s plenty more to discover.
Walk the beach, explore the river trails, visit local producers, or simply find a quiet spot to enjoy the view.
Because on the Kāpiti Coast, weekends tend to turn into something special.
Keep Exploring