Kāpiti Half Marathon long weekend itinerary
Get ready for an action-packed weekend on the Kāpiti Coast. Whether you're running the Half Marathon or cheering from the sidelines, this three-day itinerary shows you how to make the most of your time. Explore local markets, scenic trails, beachside brunches, and relaxing recovery spots, all while soaking up the stunning coastal vibes that make Kāpiti so special.
Kāpiti Half Marathon
Date
Sunday, 9 November 2025
Time
Entrant check in opens 7 am
Location
MacLean Park, Paraparaumu Beach
Calendar
Hiking
Accessible
Day one: Explore and prepare
Morning market strolls
Kick off your weekend with a wander through one of Kāpiti’s vibrant farmers' markets. Whether you stick close to Paraparaumu Beach Market or venture a little north to the Waikanae Community Market, it's a celebration of flavours, freshness, and the relaxed coastal lifestyle - perfect for setting the tone for your weekend.
Farmers Markets
Registration & expo
Pacific Health Kāpiti, 9 Milne Drive, Paraparaumu
Get ahead of race day and collect your bib and timing chip at the Expo and registration at Pacific Health Kāpiti. While you're there, grab a coffee from local legends and event supporters, Dark Horse Coffee, and check out the event merch. All you need for registration is your name and your smile!
Registration & expo
Stretch your legs along the Waikanae River Trail
Take a gentle walk or light run along the Waikanae River Trail, a scenic snippet of the Half Marathon course. It's ideal for loosening up your legs, enjoying the river scenery, and getting a feel for part of the route - a scenic warm-up before the big day!
Waikanae River Trail
Pre-race dinner
Enjoy a relaxed evening meal at one of Kāpiti's many foodie hotspots. From authentic Italian and smoky American-style BBQ to fresh coastal cuisine, there's something to fuel every runner before the big day. Early night recommended - rest those legs and get ready to hit the course tomorrow!
A foodies guide to dining out in Kāpiti
Day two: Race day and reward
Ready, set, run the coast
Arrive early to stretch, warm up, and soak up the pre-race buzz. The race hub is at the corner of MacLean Street and Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach. Whether you're running or cheering from the sidelines, the start line is alive with energy and excitement - then, it's go-time!
Ready, set, run the coast
Post-race brunch by the beach
After crossing the finish line - or cheering on your friends - treat yourself to a relaxed brunch at one of the many beachside eateries dotted along the Coast. Two Fat Chefs is a local favourite, just steps from the action, serving delicious options perfect for recharging after the race.
Post-race brunch by the beach
Relax and recharge
Field Way Beach access, 100-107 Field Way, Waikanae Beach
Take a gentle walk along the beach to unwind, then ease your tired muscles with a sauna session at Campfire Sauna in Paekākāriki or the Sauna Project in Waikanae - the perfect way to recover. Feeling adventurous? Finish with an ocean plunge for a true post-race thrill.
Relax and recharge
Celebrate in style
7 Seaview Rd, Paraparaumu Beach
Tucked away in Paraparaumu Beach, Lustre Kitchen & Dining offers an intimate, refined farm-to-table experience. With a menu built around what's fresh and in season, every visit feels like something new. Rooted in locality and sustainability, it's the kind of place that nourishes both body and spirit - a perfect post-race celebration dinner.
Lustre Kitchen & Dining
Day three: Relax and recover
Pamper and reset
Waikanae
Ease into your day with a little self-care at Simplicitè Skin Health and Beauty. From relaxation massages to radiance-boosting facials, their tailored treatments are designed to restore balance and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the week ahead.
Simplicitè Skin Health and Beauty
Lunch at Joe & Joy
11 Mahara Place, Waikanae
Take a mid-day break at Joe & Joy, a feel-good cafe in the heart of Mahara Place. Their simple ethos is all about bringing joy through great coffee and delicious baked goods. The cabinet is brimming with mouth-watering treats - flaky pastry pies, loaded doughnuts, sandwiches, slices, bagels, and quiches. With plenty of tasty options on the menu, it's the perfect reward after yesterdays efforts.
Joe & Joy
Relax in nature at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
74 Ngā Manu Reserve Road, Waikanae
Regarded by many as one of New Zealand’s best kiwi experiences, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve is a sanctuary teeming with native wildlife and relaxing scenery. Wander through picturesque wetlands and forest trails, spot kākā, kererū, tīeke, and other navive birds, and simply soak in the peace and beauty of this natural haven.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
Toast the weekend
21 Birmingham St, Paraparaumu
Before heading home, wrap up your Kāpiti Half weekend with a visit to The Bond Store in Paraparaumu. Enjoy handcrafted gins, creative cocktails, and local artisan tasting platters as you reflect on your run, toast to the weekend, and soak up the relaxed coastal vibes one last time.
The Bond Store