Kāpiti Food Fair weekend itinerary
Get ready for Kāpiti’s most delicious day out! The Kāpiti Food Fair is a full-day celebration of flavours, fun and festive vibes. From tasty eats and sweet treats to live entertainment and cooking demonstrations, it’s a day that will delight every foodie. And the fun doesn’t have to stop there - there’s plenty more to explore along the Coast while you’re in town. This three-day itinerary is your guide to a long weekend full of taste, discovery, and that unmistakable Kāpiti charm.
Kāpiti Food Fair
Date
Saturday, 6 December 2025
Time
10am - 5pm
Location
Mazengarb Reserve, Paraparaumu
Gem
Food And Drink
Calendar
Day one: A taste of what's to come
Sheffield Street Collective
4a Sheffield St, Paraparaumu
Kick off your Food Fair weekend at the Sheffield Street Collective. Grab a smooth brew from Dark Horse Coffee's Espresso Garden, then pop next door to Montfoort's pop-up caravan for delicious Dutch sweet treats that pair perfectly with your morning coffee - the perfect prelude to a foodie weekend.
Coffee & treats
The Roastery
2 Sheffield St, Paraparaumu
A few doors down, step into The Roastery, where coffee lovers can take their passion to the next level. Join their 90-minute hands-on roasting experience - from bean selection and roast profiling to hands-on roasting. You'll even leave with a bag of your own freshly roasted beans to take home as a souvenir.
Roastery Experience
Duncan's taproom
4B Sheffield St, Paraparaumu
When the afternoon rolls around, head back to the Sheffield Street Collective where you’ll know you're in the right spot when you see the vibrant wall mural of quirky illustrations. Step inside Duncan's taproom, where playful, dessert-inspired sours and stouts take centre stage. Known for pushing flavour boundaries with creativity and fun, it's the perfect place to relax with a tasting paddle.
Sip bold flavours at Duncan's taproom
Boutique stays
Rest up before the big day and settle in somewhere special. Kāpiti offers an array of boutique stays that captures the region’s easy elegance - from stylish coastal getaways to secluded cabins with sweeping views. Wherever you rest your head, you’ll find comfort, charm, and that unmistakable coastal calm to set you up for a day of delicious discoveries at the Food Fair.
Stay in style
Day two: The main course
Get your caffeine fix on the go
Start your day the Kāpiti way - with a perfectly brewed coffee and something light before heading to the Food Fair. With local roasters and passionate baristas perfecting their craft across the coast, there’s no shortage of great spots to get your morning fix.
Fuel up for the Fair
Kāpiti Food Fair
Spend the day exploring hundreds of food and beverage vendors from across Aotearoa. From street eats and artisan treats to craft drinks and local produce, it’s a flavour-packed experience. Enjoy live entertainment, cooking demos, and a lively community vibe that makes this event a firm favourite on the local calendar. Pro tip: Book your ticket online early to save and skip the queues.
Feast your way through the Fair
Dine at Waterfront Bar & Kitchen
3 Garden Rd, Raumati Beach
After a big day of tasting, unwind with a relaxed dinner by the sea. Kick back with a refreshing cocktail and delicious bites at The Waterfront Bar & Kitchen. Located right on the beach in Raumati, it’s the perfect place to take in the elevated views of the coastline and Kāpiti Island - and to toast the day as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Sunset sips
Day three: Explore & unwind
Brunch by the beach
Ease into your Sunday at a relaxed pace with a leisurely brunch at one of Kāpiti’s beachside cafes. From perfectly poached eggs to freshly baked pastries and great coffee, there’s no better way to start the day. Afterwards, take a gentle stroll along the 40km stretch of coastline - breathe in the sea air, feel the sand between your toes, and soak up the views of Kapiti Island.
Brunch by the beach
Boutique shopping
After a morning by the sea, take some time to explore Kāpiti’s boutique shopping scene. Stroll the relaxed, beachside boutiques of Raumati Village, hunt for outlet bargains in Ōtaki, and uncover hidden gems along the way. Whether you're after curated fashion, thoughtful gifts, or treasures for home, you’ll find plenty of character, creativity, and local charm at every turn.
A little retail therapy
Culture & creativity at Toi MAHARA
20 Mahara Place, Waikanae
Another must-visit before leaving town is Toi Mahara gallery in Waikanae township. With four gallery spaces spread across two levels, it showcases works of both local and national significance. Don’t miss the Taonga Tuku Iho | Heritage Gallery, where the treasured Field Collection sits alongside other Kāpiti taonga - a captivating introduction to the region's artistic heritage and creative spirit.
Toi MAHARA
Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve
Old State Highway 1, Paraparaumu
Round off your weekend with a dose of nature at the Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve. Wander beneath towering nīkau palms and kohekohe trees, pause to listen to the chorus of native birdsong, and take in sweeping coastal views. It’s the perfect way to balance out yesterday’s indulgence and wrap up your weekend feeling refreshed and inspired.
Nature & views