The ultimate guide to the Kāpiti Coast Art Trail
Discover the art, people, and places that bring the coast to life. Step into the world of the Kāpiti Coast Art Trail, where creativity meets coastal beauty. From Paekākāriki to Ōtaki, explore charming towns and villages, meet talented artists, savour local flavours, and uncover hidden gems along the way - from beaches and boutiques to cafes and scenic strolls.
Plan your route and make the most of your visit with the Art Trail "Plan your trail" page.
Kāpiti Coast Art Trail
Date
1/2 + 8/9 November 2025
Time
10 am - 4 pm
Location
Kāpiti Coast
Calendar
Palette Art
Weekend 1, Day 1: Paekākāriki & Raumati
Holtom's Art Studio Gallery
1 Beach Rd, Paekākāriki
Begin your Art Trail adventure in the colourful seaside village of Paekākāriki, known as the district's creative hub. Start at Holtom's Art Studio, a collective arts space housed in the iconic Holtom Building showcasing works by Alan Wehipeihana, Alayna Flighty and Dianna Fary. Across the road, pop into The Wobbly Pot, where local potters and artisans showcase their craft.
Holtom's Art Studio Gallery
Paekākāriki Arts Walk
Once you've explored the studio, step outside and continue your journey along the Paekākāriki Arts Walk. Winding along the seaside path and through charming streets, this trail comes alive with poems and visual art by local artists. One of the highlights is Pearl and Florrie Way, a touching installation that shares the true story of 80-year-old twins and their unforgettable encounter with a bull.
Paekākāriki Arts Walk
Refuel by the sea
Beach Road, Paekākāriki
Before you hit the road, take a moment to refuel in Paekākāriki's relaxed seaside atmosphere. Enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee, a fresh pastry, or a tasty bite at one of the village’s charming cafes, or grab a refreshing treat from Paekākāriki Fruit Supply - a local favourite - before continuing your short drive north to Raumati.
Paekākāriki Eateries
Boutique finds in Raumati Village
Raumati Village
In between Art Trail stops, soak up the village vibes in Raumati Village, where coastal charm meets creative style. Browse beachside boutiques for curated fashion, home decor, and unique gifts - and don't miss the outdoor artworks that bring colour to the streets, including Kotahitanga by local artist Theo Arraj and Tuna Heke, which brightens the wall near the Raumati Bowling Club.
Raumati Village Boutiques
Raumati bites & drinks
Refuel and relax in Raumati, where there's something for every appetite. Sip cocktails with ocean views at Waterfront Bar, savour the cosy ambience at Courtyard on Margaret, or head south to the lively Raumati Social Club, where you might catch live local music while enjoying a delicious meal.
Raumati bites & drinks
Weekend 1, Day 2: Paraparaumu
Coffee & coastal strolls
Kick off your morning with a perfectly brewed coffee from local favourites, The Lock Up, Coffee & Flowers or Two Fat Chefs. Then take a leisurely stroll along the Paraparaumu Beach waterfront, soaking in the stunning coastal views and keeping an eye out for outdoor artworks along the way, including the 'Under Kāpiti Captured' mural at Maclean Park by Art Trail artist Sarah Pou - Art.
Paraparaumu Beach
Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre
289 Mazengarb Rd, Paraparaumu
Art lovers won't want to miss Big Mac Creative Centre, where original art, sculpture, furniture, and jewellery come together. Meander through the gardens, catch artist demonstrations, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere as creativity spills from garden to gallery.
Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre
Sip & see at The Bond Store
21 Birmingham St, Paraparaumu
Stop by the quirky and colourful Bond Store Gin Distillery, a playful spot brimming with character. Sample award-winning gin, zesty limoncello, or smooth vodka, and enjoy works by four talented artists - Anya Paints, Karl Andrews, MaVi Art, and Vanessa Krinkel - on display.
The Bond Store
50-50 restaurant
22 MacLean St, Paraparaumu Beach
Cap off the night with dinner at 50-50, Paraparaumu Beach’s hatted fine dining gem. Helmed by culinary star Helen Turnbull, the menu celebrates seasonal, locally sourced produce with precision and flair. Expect a thoughtfully curated degustation, beautifully plated dishes, and a dining experience that is truly a work of art - making it the perfect end to a creative day.
50-50 restaurant
Weekend 2, Day 1: Waikanae
Morning brews & garden views
42 Tutere St, Waikanae Beach
In the leafy garden town of Waikanae, art and nature go hand in hand. Ease into the morning with a relaxed, beachside brunch at Hey Coastie or Long Beach Tavern, local favourites known for their laid-back garden vibes and classic brunch menus, before setting out to explore the area’s creative offerings.
Morning brews & garden views
Nature & creativity at Ngā Manu
74 Ngā Manu Reserve Road, Waikanae
Add a touch of nature to your day with a visit to Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, the perfect balance to a day of gallery and studio hopping. Wander through lush native bush and discover the reserve's wildlife. Plus, don't miss a special Art Trail event, where Theo Arraj and members of the Youth Council bring a vibrant collaborative mural to life.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
Toi MAHARA
20 Mahara Place, Waikanae
Continue your artistic journey at Toi Mahara, Kāpiti’s public gallery and home to the nationally significant Field Collection. The ever-changing exhibitions showcase contemporary works by both local and national artists. Just around the corner, Artel Gallery and Store offers more creative inspiration, while Joe & Joy, just across the road, is perfect for a sweet treat or a coffee pick-me-up.
Toi MAHARA
Weekend 2, Day 2: Ōtaki
Máori & Indigenous Art in Ōtaki
68 Main Street, Ōtaki
End your art trail adventure in Ōtaki, a small town with a big heart and a thriving creative community. At the centre of it all is Toi Matarau, a gallery dedicated to celebrating Māori and Indigenous art. Showcasing weaving, carving, painting, and contemporary works, it’s a cultural highlight of the trail and a space where stories, traditions, and innovation are bought to life.
Toi Matarau Gallery
Ceramics & creativity at The Kilns
Jim, Winiata Place, Te Horo
For ceramic enthusiasts, make time to visit The Kilns Te Horo. Once a symbol of ceramic craftsmanship, Mirek Smíšek's iconic beehive kilns have been lovingly restored into a creative hub for exhibitions, workshops, and residencies. Current artist-in-residence Shigemitsu Ohashi is creating new works that evoke a sense of nature, developing glazes of local raw materials to apply to his pieces.
The Kilns Te Horo
Refuel at the Bus Stop Cafe
55 Sims Rd, Te Horo Beach
Before you leave, enjoy a relaxed bite at the hidden gem Bus Stop Cafe. Tucked down a winding garden path, this vintage blue-and-white bus has been transformed into a quirky cafe surrounded by cosy nooks and outdoor tables. With its relaxed vibe and homemade fare, it’s the perfect spot to refuel and reflect on two weekends of creativity and coastal charm before heading home.
Bus Stop Cafe