Nature Coast Experience

It’s Coast Time!

2009-12-14T10:24:00.002+13:00

Isn’t it funny? Here on the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua, we know that once the Pohutukawa flowers break with their beautiful rich red colours it’s Coast Time.

But what is Coast Time?

We think it’s that time of year when the sea is warm, the Tararua's are clear of snow and the tiny flowers on the hills open and invite the insects for a party.

We think it’s that time of the week when you leave the office, after spending the week staring at a screen full of useless information, on a journey to the coast where the priority is getting the shoes off, grabbing a good coffee and finding a nice spot to take a moment and consider all the important things.

We think Coast Time is that time of the year when all the aunties and uncles arrive in town, bring with them the kai, the politics and smiles that we have looked forward to all year.

We think Coast Time is that time of the year where there is something wonderful to do every weekend and the markets are bulging with the freshest in local produce.

We think Coast Time is awesome

So go on, challenge yourself this summer and do something different – experience what it is that makes the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua simply awesome in the summer.

What is Coast Time to you?

Catch the wave this summer

2009-10-12T15:57:00.002+13:00

Nature Coast Enterprise, the regional tourism organisation for the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua is today reminding locals of a couple of initiatives that are sure to make this summer on the Nature Coast long and hot.

Catch Kapiti, the Kapiti Coast districts summer events programme, is once again set to tell us about all the great things to do on the coast this summer.

Nature Coast Enterprise regional tourism manager Chris Barber said: “Catch Kapiti is a great way to promote local events and it’s free. We will be distributing more than 25,000 copies of the programme this year but the programme is only as good and the events it promotes, so we need to know about all the wonderful events that are planned for this summer”

The Catch Kapiti Summer Events programme includes events on the Kapiti Coast that occur during the period between Christmas and the end of daylight savings. The programme is set to be delivered to all households in the Kapiti Coast District on 17th December.

Another initiative that has proven successful in bringing visitors to the region is the Nature Coast Project. Last year more than 60 businesses participated in a joint venture with Nature Coast Enterprise to encourage more visitors from Wellington.

“The results speak for themselves” Chris Barber said. “In the context of a recession, our region performed very well last summer and that was as a result of the Nature Coast Project. We worked together and the results came. Events in the region were well attended, retailers and cafes noted a marked increase in the number of Wellingtonians choosing to holiday on the Nature Coast and the number of guest nights in the region was well above the national average.

This year the focus of the project is once again to bring more Wellingtonians to the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua, but this year we want to extend our traditional summer season into the March and April period” he said. “We think the campaign planned for this year will do just that”.

The launch of this years Nature Coast Project will be on Wednesday November 4th at 5pm at the Nature Coast Enterprise office, Lindale.

People wishing to have their event considered for inclusion within Catch Kapiti, or those that would like to attend the launch of the 2009/10 Nature Coast Project should contact Nature Coast Enterprise by emailing maureen@naturecoast.co.nz, in person at any of the i-sites , at the Nature Coast Enterprise offices in Levin and Paraparaumu, or by phone on 04 298 6611

For more information, contact Chris Barber. 04 298 6611 or 027 685 5532

New Airport Development “outstanding news” for the region

2009-09-14T14:53:00.006+12:00

PHOTO CAPTION: (from left) Celebrations all round from Chris Barber, Regional Tourism Manager, Nature Coast; Anthony Wackrow, Paraparaumu Airport Manager; Kellie Brown, Communications & Events, Nature Coast; Glen O’Brien, Chief Executive, Nature Coast.

By the end of 2010 locals may see more than air2there planes and birds fly across their skies.
A $450 million redevelopment of Paraparaumu Airport has been given the green light, thanks to a recent Environment Court decision.

The development aims to see Air NZ services and a business park added to Kapiti’s feature list.
Airport Manager Anthony Wackrow says he’s very pleased with decision. “It’s great news for the airport, and great news for the wider community.”

Nature Coast Tourism Chief Executive Glen O’Brien says this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. “It’s going to be a fantastic catalyst for growth and development in the region.” Mr O’Brien sites employment and tourism as two major areas for growth. “In terms of population we are up there with the fastest growing regions in New Zealand. Kapiti is going to be even more of a magnet now, not just for tourism, but for people to live here too.”

Chris Barber, Nature Coast’s Regional Tourism Manager, says it’s going to be an airport with a pretty impressive view. “How many airports in New Zealand are going to have an outlook like Kapiti? We’ve been waiting for this outcome for a long time. We’ve done the background – the tourism community have been working really hard together to make this region an amazing place for visitors. This news is a well deserved great reward for them.”

Mr Barber also says the airport redevelopment has the potential to attract many more international tourists to our region. He says that over the winter, Air New Zealand offered Australian travellers to New Zealand a free domestic return ticket within New Zealand. “If they retain that wonderful incentive in the coming months,” says Mr Barber, “Australians will have direct access to this region. How cool is that.”

Plans for the airport include extending the main runway, shifting and shortening the east-west runway, and creating an industrial park on the 127 hectare site.

“I’m travelling every few weeks and I spend hours getting to Wellington airport,” says Mr O’Brien. “And the parking fees add up. The new airport is going to be a big advantage to business.”

The next stage is to work towards establishing Air NZ services, tentatively planned for the end of 2010. Q300 planes, seating 50 passengers, will run alongside existing air2there services.

For further information, contact Glen O’Brien, Nature Coast CEO, 027 279 4900 glen@naturecoast.co.nz

This summer is set to be awesome once again

2009-08-19T10:29:00.007+12:00

It’s getting warmer out there now, the days are longer and birds are louder. This summer is set to be awesome once again. We can all remember summer fun. For me - we used to hang out at Waikanae Beach and wait for all the townies to come up to their Bach’s for Christmas. Every year there would be at least one where the parents had let the kids use the Bach without them. For us at Waikanae beach that meant it was party time. I can still hear Rage Against The Machine blasting out across the tennis courts. I wonder if the guys from the Waikanae Fire Station remember that music as they were putting out our very small fires on the beach, often with buckets!

Anyway, we need the world to know why this place is awesome. We don’t have heaps of $$ to spend on big TV ads etc, but what we do have is you guys.Tell the world – we are and we would love it if you would help

And if you have been away for a while, this is what some of the locals have been up
too:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCUcxcSfNbE kia kaha!

Kapiti Island Scenic Flight

2009-08-11T11:00:00.012+12:00

Air2there – Kapiti Island Scenic Flight 08.08.09

On Saturday I had the opportunity to step onto a plane with air2there and experience Kapiti Island from an aerial perspective on air2there’s Kapiti Island scenic flight tour. The tour included an introductory talk on the island which includes the history and how it came to be the amazing protected island it is today.
The tour gives you a real feel for Kapiti Island and is a great alternative for those who are unable to get to the island for the day when visiting the region. I would also highly recommend it to locals as it is a great way to see your own backyard.

Daily tours 11am, 1pm 3pm – Booking is recommended.
Cost per person: $105 - Group concessions available.
Tours are conducted with a minimum of three persons.

Sam

Nature Coast goes all ‘face bookey'

2009-08-04T14:37:00.008+12:00

Nature Coast goes all ‘face bookey’

Having succumbed to the face book community, Nature Coast this week has developed Kapiti Coast, Horowhenua and Nature Coast, three awesome face book pages that will give both locals and visitors the opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and videos.

Regional Tourism Manager, Chris Barber said: “its weird, but now we have the ability for people to tell us, and the world, what’s going on, and tell us now. That gives us a great opportunity”

So go on, be our friend and check out: Kapiti Coast, Horowhenua and Nature Coast.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kapiti-Coast/Kapiti-Coast/92047172780?v=wall&viewas=0

http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/#/pages/Horowhenua/113568042588

http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/#/pages/Nature-Coast/104638303088

2009-07-02T14:58:00.001+12:00

Lindale Kids - a family-friendly, all weather destination

Pile the kids in the car and expect an incredibly fun day out at Lindale Kids, no matter what the weather’s doing. It’s an indoor playland, a farm walk, café and kids’ retail store but, most importantly, it’s a place for the kids to run around and burn off some energy.

"I don't think there are enough wholesome things for families to be able to do together anymore. Kids don't need stuff, they just need open space and the opportunity to burn some energy."

Owner Anita Murdoch

The Indoor Playland is not part of a franchise (like Lollipops or Chipmunks), but has a boutique feel to it and great natural light. The main climbing frame boasts New Zealand's first 3-level, two-lane, 8-metre slide! There are role play areas such as a mini-kitchen and a general store, and a dedicated area for babies and toddlers. Adults can relax just metres away but in full view of their kids while they enjoy great coffee and food in the mini-cafe. The playland welcomes children 0 – 11 years old.

The Lindale Kids Farm has had a makeover and now includes new signage and educational displays. ‘What’s On in the Barn’ is communicated on the blackboards at reception and the daily schedule often includes bottle feeding of lambs, piglets or calves, plus the opportunity to have a go at hand-milking a dairy cow. Hands on experiences like these leave a lasting impression in young minds.

The Farmyard Café also had a makeover and introduced a new menu with daily specials. It has a corner play area for under 3s, a new kids' menu, magazines, gluten-free food and great coffee. The café does all the catering for playland or farm visit birthday parties. Hosted in a private party space, you can relax – all the work’s been done for you!

In the Kids Store you'll discover quality children's toys and books, an excellent range of loot bag fillers and funky party accessories. It’s located at the entrance to the playland.

Anita and Davin Murdoch took over parts of the popular Lindale Tourist venue in Paraparaumu. They live in Wellington and own 25 acres in the Wairarapa. It was having this varied lifestyle for their kids - watching them have fun in the city as well as in gumboots and climbing trees - that motivated the deal and investment in Lindale Kids.

"We have the perfect critics to help build this business; our kids are aged 3, 5, 6, and we have our nephew with us who is 17. There’s been lots of suggestions from them on how we should be running this place!"

Changes are still taking place and one thing is for sure, each time you come, there'll be more reasons to come back.

Lindale Kids

Lindale Centre, Main Rd North, SH1, Paraparaumu

Ph: 04 297 0911

Website: www.lindalekids.co.nz

Email contact: enquiry@lindalekids.co.nz

Open 7 days. Playland & Kids Store 9am-5pm, Farm & Farmyard Café 9.30am-4pm (or by arrangement for groups)

Dear Glynis and Trev

2009-06-05T15:37:00.002+12:00

Dear Glynis and Trev. I have a bone to pick with you - my stomach muscles are still sore from laughing! Thanks for sharing Nature Coast with us. I’d forgotten how exceptional the region it is. See you the next time we need to leave Wellington. Bob and Jan.

Glynis has recently changed her hair colour and Trev jokes that it’s like dating another woman. They both giggle and she gives back as good as she gets – “Then you’ll be two timing me, won’t you Trev?”

They own Kapiti 4 Seasons Tours & Travel Club. He’s the driver and she’s the tour organiser. “We’re like a sheep dog,” says Trev. “I’m the eyes and she’s the bark!”

They will be very surprised if you don't get a good laugh on their trips because “laughter is good for your soul.”

Their local travel club has a large membership and people appreciate their “T & P” stops. “It’s real important that people know when they can go to the loo and when they’ll be stopping for a cuppa,” says Trev. The travel club includes mystery tours where people turn up on the day and have no idea where they’re going to be going.

They also charter out their coaches including education trips, wedding parties - and Trev’s favourite - carting English rugby supporters around Kapiti and Horowhenua.

They’ve recently diversified to attract more visitors from Wellington to the Nature Coast. People can jump on the train in Wellington, be met at Paraparaumu station by Trev in his very smart hat, and be taken on a tour. “Most people know about the Coast, but they have no idea what there is to explore,” says Trev. “And if you’re going to a new area, why not get someone who knows it really well to show you around?”

Glynis says most people think Nature Coast is just somewhere to drive through. “You really need at least three days here,” she says.

Glynis leaves no stone unturned when she explores the district’s many back roads to discover new stops for her tours. She used to run wine tours in America and was once one of America’s top District Sales Managers for Avon products, and Trev’s been in transport all his life – from driving sheep trucks to hauling machinery, and owning a corporate cab. “We just love people,” they say.

Although they got together seven years ago, they actually met 44 years ago in a ladies hair salon in Johnsonville. Trev was a sales rep for WP Martin & Co in 1964 and Glynis worked after school in her mother’s salon folding towels. “I impressed her with my brand new Holden EH wagon,” says Trev.

Glynis says he was charming all the hair stylists but as he was “a much older man” she didn’t take his bait. “Now Trev tells people he threw me sixpence and told me to come back when I was older. He didn’t expect me to wait until I was 50, but I did spend 30 years in California!”

They both spent some of their childhood on the Coast. Glynis says, “It’s just what you did back then. Get a bach in Waikanae or Paraparaumu and spend the whole summer here. We’d be on the beach for hours. I remember the tussocks. Children didn’t need to be entertained in those days.”

“BBQ’s right on the beach,” says Trev. “Now that was something special.”

If you’re riding on one of their tours and Trev yells out, “Don’t worry guys and guy-esses, I’ll tell you where the parachutes are!” never fear, it’s just that wicked sense of humour – you’ll be laughing all the way back home.

Kapiti 4 Seasons Tours & Travel Club
PO Box 1684, Paraparaumu Beach
Owners: Glynis and Trev Fitzgeorge. Ph 04 905 0652 or 0274 859 400
www.kapiti4seasonstours.co.nz
email: kapiti4@xtra.co.nz
Charters (including weddings), tours (including national and international), and Travel Club

A great time to visit Owlcatraz

2009-05-04T15:59:00.009+12:00

“Ross said I’m going to build a lake. So he got a big digger and made Lake Owlsmere. There’s thousands of plants around here, waterlilies in full bloom, ducks nesting. It’s just beautiful,” says Janette Campbell as she walks around the lake her husband made at Owlcatraz Native Bird and Wildlife Park.

“He is amazing. A lot of guys have really great ideas, but Ross follows it through.”

Two months after hundreds of trees crashed down in a huge winter storm Owlcatraz is back, better and more beautiful than ever, says Janette. It’s a testament to the resourcefulness of this couple who opened their “unique taste of paradise” in 1995

“We bought the property 20 years ago, when Ross was farming locally. I was a bank officer for 21 years, originally in Shannon when it had a bank and then in Levin. In 1995 we decided that we wanted to do something with the property from which we could earn an income

“We built the park around our native owl, the morepork, or ruru. My husband Ross is the owl man – his number plate says Owl Man, mine is Owl Gal.”

Visitors can get up close with Owle MacPherson, Owl Capone, Owlvis Presley and others in the owl house. “There’s a lot of mystic around owls,” says Janette, who says the play on the owl name has been great for attracting attention.

“And of course you’ve got to have a jail at Owlcatraz,” she laughs, walking into the old historic Shannon jail which has been permanently lent to the park. The cell is now home to more than 1500 owls of all shapes and sizes, collected by an owl aficionado in Wellington. “We call him an ‘owlcoholic’, his wife was very keen for us to house his collection!”

Janette stops outside to say hello to Gordy, a hand-reared pukeko. He’s followed closely by Joey the cockatoo. She knows all the animals and they all know her. A couple of ducks follow her down the path towards the Land of Giants. On the way she passes Henry, a rooster who turned up after the storm and made such good friends with Snowflake the chook they’ve now got a brood of chicks.

Big Snow is the star of the Land of the Giants. A giant Romagnolo steer, he stands over six feet at the shoulder and weighs more than 2000kgs. Fellow giant inhabitants are Storm and Windy, a couple of ostriches named prophetically before the big blow.

In a couple of years the tree stumps in the gardens will be covered by all the new native plants, a memorial not only of the force of nature, but to the many people who came from throughout the Nature Coast and beyond to help restore the park.

“They’d turn up with their gumboots, and bins and chainsaws and say ‘we’ve come to help’. It gave us a new lease of life,” says Janette, who like Ross moved to the Nature Coast as a child.

“We love it. The climate’s great, it’s friendly, you can maintain a really good standard of living. We’re not city folk. We’ll go to Wellington for a holiday, but this is really where we want to be.”

Owlcatraz Native Bird and Wildlife Park
Main Road South (SH57), Shannon,
Owners: Ross and Janette Campbell
Phone 06 362 7872
Website www.owlcatraz.co.nz
Email: owlcatraz@xtra.co.nz

Guided Tours to see the New Zealand owls, ostriches, deer, giant steer, and other birds and animals, picnic area, craft shop, miniature train, picnic area, native trees and plants, beautiful lake, Wairuru caves, icecreams, complimentary tea and coffee, catered lunch by appointment.

Time for a holiday?

2009-03-31T15:43:00.003+13:00

As the nights get longer and the days cooler, maybe its time to consider a holiday, and what better person to arrange things than Iride McCloy.

Iride McCloy has travelled the world several times, yet one of her favourite places is a little patch of Waikanae. “I love the spaciousness of Waikanae Beach, and the complexity of the environment,” she says.
Iride owns New Zealand International Touring Company, assessable through Trilogy United Travel in Paraparaumu. It’s the fourth business she’s created in the travel and tourism industry, all based in Kapiti – a place she thinks is under-utilised. “I feel very passionate about the potential for Kapiti,” she says.
She’s spent all her life here. She knows what operators are doing and thinks locals forget the small people. “So many locals have visitors and it’s tragic if they don’t know what to do with them. But there are some small operators like the Parrot Ranch, Nga Manu, and the Four x 4 Adventure people that are exceptional. We need to support them.”
Iride’s recently taken a group of people to Israel, under her company’s spiritual tours banner. She thinks the two countries are similar. “We’re green, and they’re barren desert, but in both places there’s a sense of freedom.”
People travel for many reasons and it’s the people who go to confirm their dreams that Iride feels humbled by. “One woman on the tour to Israel sold her house to go. And someone else who had studied submarine engineering wanted to go to Germany to see the submarine factories there.”
It was the first time she’d taken a tour herself – she usually organises other people to lead. “Israel continues to be fascinating and a very vibrant and spiritual country. It was a fantastic group of people who came back with a wealth of knowledge and some exhilarating experiences which they will have for their lifetimes. You’re never the same after you go to Israel.”
Back home, she takes her loved poodles, Zucco and Missi, to Waikanae Beach to take in this little patch of the world. “Kapiti is a small molecule in a huge universe. And the universe can be accessible through our Kapiti.”

NZ International Touring Company
At Trilogy Travel
132 Kapiti Rd Paraparaumu (cnr Te Roto Dr)
Phone 04 902 5476
Email: iride@trilogytravel.co.nz
www.trilogytravel.co.nz
NZ International Touring Company provides a wide range of tours to all parts of New Zealand and the world, including eco tours of Nelson/Motueka; Christmas in Wanaka; 6-day Northern Sights; National Parks ‘n’ Peaks; and Adrenalin Sparks and Spiritual Solace tours. They specialise in Christian-themed tours and religious pilgrimages.

Sounds n Nature

2009-02-16T10:44:00.003+13:00

This weekend the Nature coast region hosts one of the most unique events in New Zealand.

The Sounds n Nature concert is a wonderful mix of New Zealand’s top musicians as well as our unique flora and fauna. You may need to compete with the odd Pukeko for the best seats! Highlights this year will be performances by the Warratahs as well as the headline act – the Lady Killers

The Sounds n Nature concert is held at Nga Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae.

Nga Manu Nature Reserve is located at Ngarara Road Waikanae. Click here for a map of Waikanae.

Tickets for the concert are available from the Paraparaumu, Otaki and Paraparaumu Visitor Centres, or alternatively, click here for further information.

If you are planning to spend the weekend on the coast, and most people do, click here for information relating to accommodation in the region. Waikanae itself has some really good Motels as well as some nice Bed and Breakfast options.

The Sounds n Nature 2009 concert is definitely an event on the Kapiti Coast that isn’t to be missed.

For more information go to: www.soundsnnature.org.nz

Bare feet, authors and accommodation

2009-02-02T11:37:00.005+13:00

Isn’t it funny? You have a whole community of authors out there who are awesome at adding blog content, but they don’t. Common guys, get "blog awise"!

Anyway, hasn’t it been great to see all the great things that are going on in Otaki and the Barefoot Waterskiing champs. Another fantastic event, showing the whole country why Kapiti and Horowhenua are such good places to live and play

I thought I would take this opportunity to let you into the sectors about a couple of our motels. This week I will talk about the ones in the southern part of the district- Paraparaumu.

Comfort Inn Elliott’s

There’s a little surprise out the back of this highway motor lodge. You’d never know it from the road, but behind the impressive modern frontage there’s a gorgeous peaceful backyard. It’s perfect for the kids to play cricket or roly-poly down the lawn, and for you to read under the trees and let out that city air. Afterwards, fire up the BBQ and unwind with the sunset.

Sue and Peter Reedy have owned Comfort Inn Elliotts for seven years and are in no danger of the seven year itch. “We never intended to stay here this long,” says Peter. “But we do love it here.”
Good backyards need a few special things – fruit trees (Sue says the pear tree in the backyard is the biggest she’s ever seen), at least one native tree (Sue’s Dad thinks the Rimu is 200 years old), really green grass (with enough open space to hit a six), and a European-style patio area that you can see from every room.

To say Sue and Peter are used to a family atmosphere is an understatement – they’ve got nine children between them. The motor lodge has a separate house for a family that includes its own teenage lounge area. Other accommodation includes single studios and large one- and two-bedroom units, all with their own spa bath. Go through the visitor’s book and you’ll find comments on the comfy beds and “extra comfy pillows”.

Sue and Peter both hold precious memories of the Nature Coast. Peter spent six quiet months in Waikanae before he met Sue. “I spent lots of the time on the beach – sometimes with the kids, sometimes just by myself. You know – the sunsets, just walking and walking – it’s quite something.”

Sue spent time here as a kid and as an early Mum. Otaki Forks and the beaches were her favourites. “The dog used to chase seagulls on the beach for hours on end,” she says. “Once I had all the kids with me and I had to dash home but the dog wouldn’t come. So we went anyway, came back, and there was the dog, happy as Larry.”

The rooms are very quiet. “My mother is very noise sensitive so we got her to test them. They all passed,” says Sue.

To take advantage of their Wellington Visitor’s Special (free train to Wellington, two nights in a luxury spa bath unit, and a continental breakfast), call Sue and Peter. They may also share some other Nature Coast surprises with you.

Unlike most surprises, this one can be lived over and over again.

Comfort Inn Elliotts
33 Amohia St (SH1) Paraparaumu
Phone 0800 93 60 70 (NZ toll free)
Phone 0064 4 902 6070
Phone UK toll free: 0871 731 1045
www.elliottsmotorlodge.co.nz
elliottsml@paradise.net.nz
Babysitting is available by prior arrangement.

Copperfield Seaside Motel

Copperfield Seaside Motel managers Margaret and Tony Parker still get people asking them where the ice cream parlor was. Unit 14 was the ice cream parlor in the old Copperfield Shopping Complex. Margaret remembers buying ice creams there for her children, on an afternoon by the seaside at Paraparaumu Beach. “It was a treat to come up here on weekends,” she says.
Copperfield’s is nestled in the heart of Paraparaumu Beach, something which Tony loves. “I’m always saying we’re in a village.” He’s no stranger to community spirit, having lived and worked in Tawa where he ended up on the Community Board.
Even the ducks from the park venture into the village – it’s common to see them use the pedestrian crossing, or paddle in the garden’s water fountain.
Margaret and Tony are fairly new to the Nature Coast. They’ve both had professional careers and have always had an inkling they may end up as moteliers. It suits them – they like looking after people.
They are busy in their little village too. Margaret’s just joined a singing group, and Tony says that she’s “doing very well.” Their Nature Coast lifestyle means they can do things like this, and often with a “League of Nations” staying at the Motel, they’re busy learning from other communities around the world.
“We get people (mainly from England) who stay long-term and become friends while they look for a house to live in. We recently had a Japanese man who was doing a world golf tour. He just laughed at most everything we said, but before he left he invited us to Japan,” says Tony.
“Petanque seems to be growing as a sport, so we have accommodated many players, who occasionally come in drenched from a sudden shower, knowing we have a large dryer to dry out their jackets. They appreciate these small things.” The American tourists like being looked after. “In America you just pick up a key and go to your room. It’s not like that here.”
Copperfield’s is in the heart of this seaside village. Visitors are a hop, skip, and a jump to the beach, park, a variety of restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries; are just two hits from the world-renowned Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course, and never far from the extended Nature Coast community of wildlife and nature operators, including trips to Kapiti Island..
Tony recommends people visit Nga Manu Nature Reserve if the weather isn’t great for a visit to Kapiti Island. For the younger ones, a 10-minute drive takes you to Waikanae Park with shady trees for picnics and a choice of pools for swimming.
Tony and Margaret have four daughters and a motel cat called Paris. “She thinks she’s Paris Hilton,” says Margaret. “Spoilt rotten.”
Any precious time they have, they like to enjoy a meal in one of the many nearby restaurants, watching the sun go down and sipping a glass of wine. “Only for medicinal purposes of course,” smiles Tony.
Talk to Margaret and Tony long enough, and you’ll come to believe they live and work in the best little seaside village in New Zealand.

Copperfield Seaside Motel
7-13 Seaview Rd, Paraparaumu Beach
Managers: Margaret and Tony Parker
Ph 04 902 6414
www.seasidemotel.co.nz
stay@seasidemotel.co.nz
15 units including 1 & 2-bedroom apartments. All apartments have full kitchen facilities, balconies, Sky TV and wireless internet. Seven studio units with double spa baths. 2 studio access units with walk-in showers. Conference room with views to Kapiti Island available for meetings. Within the complex are: Sopranos Italian Restaurant, Cookies Buffet, and Helen’s Kitchen (a gourmet vegetarian café).

Wrights by the Sea

Dear Diary.
Friday 7.30pm. We got here just before sunset and have decided not to get back into the car until Sunday night! Wonder if there’s enough to do round here. Not sure what we’ll do for dinner. It’s been hectic lately with the kids, moving. We’ve lost our way. The room’s lovely. Dan’s not talking much. Maybe this was a mistake.

Friday 9.30pm. Dinner at Muang Thai in the Paraparaumu Beach shops, didn’t expect to find great Asian food out here. The beach was magic, seeing the sun going down over Kapiti Island. We’re so lucky. Saw the south island and the very tip of Mt Taranaki out east. I think that’s what it was, Dan said I needed my eyes checked. I think he giggled. No expectations, no expectations. I always thought the coast was a bit, well, dinky. But we’ve done the Gold Coast, and the Pacific Islands. Hope I sleep well.

Saturday 2pm. Great sleep. We had the full works breakfast in bed - stuff the cholesterol. Then we went to the beach community markets in the car park - Dan went whisky tasting and I talked to this Chinese family who was selling veggies, and brought some Maori potatoes. And I found this woman who bakes melting moments with real butter and a truck load of sugar. Got some wine there too, for dinner. We went around the shops too. There’s a perfume shop (Dan smells lovely now), a new Kiwiana shop called Beaut and a shop that sells fairy stuff. Back for a nap. Bliss.

Saturday 10pm. He’s running the spa bath. Went to Sopranos for dinner. I told them what I couldn’t eat and the chef made this amazing pasta dish. Walked along the beach afterwards. Dan took my hand. The last time he did that was possibly two years ago but I can’t be sure! Held back the tears. Just. Can’t be blubbering on our weekend away. I collected a piece of driftwood the shape of the North Island. Except Lake Taupo is just a hole. Spa’s ready.

Sunday 11am. We’ve got a late checkout. Heaven. Off to Waikanae Estuary now. Apparently there’s a local man who’s got a story about a swan and a goose falling in love. Sigh.
Sunday 3pm. I now believe this earth is for the birds and we are just visiting.

Sunday 10.30pm. Back at home. We’ve decided to book into the same motel every two months and next time we’re going to have an adventure weekend – with white water rafting in Otaki, and gliding at the Paraparaumu airport. Eeek! Then we’ll do a museum weekend, and a bird tour weekend, and go to Kapiti Island, and a walking trail weekend. Dan hovered around the motel car park and wouldn’t get in the car. He grabbed me and said he can’t believe how much he still loves me. I couldn’t hold back those tears. He could have chosen from so many romantic places from our weekend – and he picks the car park!

Wrights By The Sea
387 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu Beach
Reservations Freephone: 0508 902 760
www.wrightsmotel.co.nz
Email: wrights@paradise.net.nz

Studio and one bedroom units, including spa and access units. Across the road from Paraparaumu Golf Course. Breakfast in bed. Luxury winter spa pool. All mod cons. Pets by arrangement. Free courtesy pick-up from Paraparaumu Railway Station and Paraparaumu Airport by arrangement

Some really cool people

2009-01-22T09:02:00.007+13:00

This week I thought for something completely different, I would let you have a peek at a couple of really good local stories that will give you an insight in some of the wonderful people we have living and working here on the Nature Coast.

Lets start with Josef and Maggie Kieninger.

A couple of years ago Joe and Maggie Kieninger discovered a rundown blueberry farm and turned it into a sanctuary. On these 11.5 acres of fertile land, just outside Levin, they grow blueberries to make jams, jellies, and juice. They also have newly redecorated bed and breakfast accommodation, a shop, an historic printing workshop, alpacas, artists’ studios, hazelnut and lime trees, and enough space for their future dream of a sculpture park.

Ironically, they left their stressful lives in Germany to take things a little easier, but Blueberry Art fills all their waking moments. “But it’s different,” says Joe. “In Germany we had a graphic design business and worked seven days a week for 20 years. We never saw each other and our lives were empty.” To read more, click here.

My second interesting story is that of Shelly Mitchell-Jenkins and the team at Colbert Cooper in Levin.

Shelly says a lot of people are starting to realise the importance of knowing what’s outside their front door: the need to get back to basics; living in smaller communities; making life less complicated; and being “engaged”.

to read more, click here

And finally for this week, the story of Dianne and David Goodin - also of Levin.

Levin Motor Camp has been owned by ex farmers, David and Diane Goodin, for 11 years. According to Holiday Parks Association New Zealand many kiwi motor camp owners used to be farmers. The Goodin’s used to manage a sheep, cattle and goat farm in Horowhenua - Diane also worked in a jewellery shop in Levin. “On one day I could be handling sheep in the morning and showing diamonds in the afternoon,” she says.

to read more, click here

Enjoy!
Chris

Long weekends and sunshine

2009-01-14T07:46:00.002+13:00

Doesn't Christmas just come and go so fast? Maybe its the fact that here on the Kapiti Coast and in the Horowhenua, the weather is just so good!

This weekend being Wellington Anniversary Weekend has some of the regions best events talking place. I will list a few of the below. One thing I do want to say is that I wish Mr Police Communications would stop telling us that long weekends means traffic holdups in our region. Come on. What are we talking about here - a 15 minute delay in Otaki? an opportunity to slow down a little and take in the wonderful scenery? I think its a bit of the "broken record" syndrome. Don't delay travelling through the Nature Coast - just do it! and hay - its best to take your time anyway

and to the events:

Thu 15 Levin AP & I Show:
Equestrian events

Sat 17 commence on Thursday at the Levin

Sun 18 Showgrounds, Victoria Street, Levin. Fantastic

entertainment for all the family. Entertainment

includes The Beat Girls, Joel Fenton's "Comedy

Circus Stunt Show", Top Glass top team challenge,

FMX Full Throttle events performance.

www.levinapishow.co.nz

Sat 17 Garden Concert by tenor/comedian Silvio

Famularo, 2pm at 19 Kowhai Grove, Waikanae.

Tickets $5.00 payable at the gate. Bring your

own seating. If wet alternative date Monday 19th

January.

Fri 16 The Organic River Festival:
Be prepared to step into a timeless world. The Organic River

Festival is a vibrant and upbeat celebration of

music, healthy food and wine, creativity and the

community, a celebration of Kiwi life. Turn up with

your friends and family for the day or camp for

the three nights. Bookings Malcolm

06 368 4465 or online www.ecofest.co.nz

Sun 18 Raumati Sports Fishing Club Surfcasting

Competition:
At Raumati Beach. A great chance

to have a go at fishing. Registrations at the Marine

Gardens Boat Ramp at 6am, lines in the water at

7am. For more information contact Mike

021 187 6618.

Sun 18 Ford Day: At Southward Car Museum,
Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu, 9am-4pm. A family

entertainment extravaganza! See many Ford cars

on display in the beautiful grounds at Southwards.

Gold coin donation.

Sun 18 56th Annual Waikanae Show and Sports Day:

The Waikanae Show 2009 will be an entertainment

extravaganza! Live music will be showcased from

11am to 4pm with 4 or 5 bands and included in

the line-up with be local band "Too Funky". There

will be live performers, exhibitors, carnival games,

competitions, fun rides, Harley Davidson rides,

games and local stalls, dog agility and obedience

show. Contact Suzi 027 477 0162.

Sun 18 Kapiti News Kids Artwear Competition:

Waikanae Park 10am to noon.

Entries via: www.waikanaeshow.org.nz or Julie

021 882 726.

Sun 18 Tokomaru Steam Engine Museum is having a

Steam Up between 1.30pm-4pm. Adults $15.00

(children 3-13), $5.00 entry price includes train

ride. Contact 06 329 8867,

www.tokomarusteam.com

Wed 21 What's in the Leaf Litter: At Nga Manu Nature

Reserve, 281 Ngarara Road, Waikanae, 1pm-3pm.

An opportunity for the kids to learn more about

their environment in a great setting. Find and

match leaves at Nga Manu Nature Reserve and

discover the wonders of the bush. A practical

way to have fun and learn about how to identify

trees from a leaf. Free leaf template and materials

provided. Normal entry cost apply.

A great range of things to do - enjoy

Chris

Christmas on the Coast

2008-12-12T14:22:00.004+13:00

Being so close to Christmas, I thought that maybe this weekend we should have a look at all the Christmas related events that are taking place on the Kapiti Coast and in Horowhenua. Another weekend of awesome Nature Coast Experiences.

Sat 13 Carols by the Sea: 6.30pm until 8pm at McLean Park, Paraparaumu Beach. Carols, FREE sausage sizzle, drinks, bouncy castle, and a visit from Santa. Contact 04 905 0660

Sat 13 Te Horo Hall Christmas Market: Visit the Te Horo Christmas Market this year. 9am 1.30pm. There will be 60 stalls both inside and outside selling ideal gifts for Christmas.

Sat 13 Te Wananga-o-Raukawa: Whanau Day. 10am-4pm at Te Wananga-o-Raukawa, Tasman Road, Otaki. Live on-stage entertainment, showcasing ART talent. Children’s activities including rides and other activities. A variety of stalls offering kai and goods. Expo of courses on offer in 2009.

Sun 14 Shannon Christmas Parade: Parade begins at 12 noon from Memorial Hall, stalls in Te Marie Park, children’s entertainment, Santa’s cave. Contact Noeline Shaw 06 362 7075

Sun 14 Otaki Christmas in the Park: Otaki Domain $2.00 koha could earn you a spot prize Starts 3pm - 6.30pm Entertainment & food local school performances, bands & dancers Father Xmas will be there!

Sun 14 Kapiti Chamber Choir’s Christmas Concert: Heinrich Schutz ‘The Christmas Concert’ 2.30pm, at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu. Conductor: Stuart Douglas. Directed by Guy Jansen. Organist Peter Averi, tenor soloist Peter Dyne and an instrumental ensemble. Also a selection of carols with plenty of opportunity for audience participation. Tickets $20, students $10 available from Patricia’s fashions Waikanae, Bookstacks Raumati Village & Moby Dickens Paraparaumu Beach
Contact Lyall Perris 04 902 2546

Sun 14 Carol Service: At St Michael’s Anglican Church, Waikanae Beach at 7pm. Carol Service, and Nine lessons and Carols. Directed by Peter Godfrey with Elizabeth Salmon, organ. Contact Laury Sinclair 04 905 7790

And another great event to note in the diary for next week:

Thursday 18th December

Levin Racing Club: Christmas Race Meeting at the Otaki Maori Racing Club,
Te Roto Road, Otaki. 11am to 5pm. Free Entry. Arts and Crafts, pony rides.
Fun for the whole family.

The image above is thanks to Jan Nisbett of Paekakariki.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Dinner

2008-12-07T11:04:00.000+13:00

I can't believe how quickly this year has gone - Wow - Xmas is nearly here which made me think about Xmas Dinner! For those of you not yet booked in tables are filling up fast.
Have just spoken to the lovely Brigitte of Stephans & she has only 2 tables left so if you want to be spoilt ring 06 362 520. Our local Traffic is open they have sent through yummy menu options ranging from only $25 ring 06 364 7764. Te Horo's Red house cafe is also open for business but again only 3 tables left ring 06 3643022.
Still on the subject of food Penray gardens on S.H.1 just south if Otaki start their PYO Strawberries next weekend & if you are stuck for a gift their wondeful baskets are a real treat!

Steam, Scots and Fine Food

2008-12-05T11:03:00.000+13:00

Once again this weekend, The Nature Coast has got plenty of awesome events taking place.

My picks!

Saturday

Kapiti Food Fair - Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Kapiti Campus.
10am to 5pm. Free entry. Be there to celebrate the food culture of Kapiti. Food stalls, fresh produce and cooking demonstrations.
For information call Tony on 04 902 3883

Sunday

Kapiti Caledonian Society: Joint Pipe Band & Caledonian Society Christmas Party at Scots Hall, Weka Road, Raumati.
Contact Dorothy 04 297 3490

Levin Garden Trail:
10am-4pm 12 local gardens to view Proceeds towards Levin Cenotaph upgrade. Tickets $10 available from Levin Knit World & Palmers Garden Centre, Otaki New World. Legacy Antiques Shannon & Foxton Furniture Court. Contact Gloy 06 368 4590

Steam Incorporated Wellington to Palmerston North. Anniversary Special of the Wellington & Manawatu Railway Company, commemorating the Government purchasing the Wellington Manawatu Railway to allow the Wellington-Longburn sector to become part of the new NIMT. Outward trip Wellington to Palmerston North, returning to Paekakariki. Train hauled by Ja1271 with the heritage carriage fleet. Photo stops. Leave Wellington 8.30am arriving back at Paekakariki 5.20pm. Also opportunity for a short one way steam ride from Wellington Station to either Paekakariki or Paraparaumu Return to Wellington by own arrangements. Fares for this adults $25 Children $15.
Book through www.steaminc.org.nz or 0800 783 264

Once agin, so much to do, so little time!

Enjoy

Nature Coast Beach Walks - Ways to Get Closer

2008-12-02T10:52:00.000+13:00

We all know what to do on the beach; swim, dig for pipis, walk, run, throw stick number 28739283728 to the dog, have a beer, envy the people who actually catch fish from the shore, lust after the posh houses, and marvel at shells. And Nature Coast has so many different kinds of beaches to choose from.

Last night I discovered something else to do on the beach - a sneaky way to get closer to the one you love!

We went for a walk just after 7pm, after dinner - tummies full, nothing more to do for the night. Paraparaumu Beach was low tide and was just lovely. The dog couldn't believe her luck - two walks in a day. It was a little chilly and Dean being a boy, didn't take a jacket because, "It'll be fine". He started to feel the cold not longer after we got on the beach, so oh dear how sad, we had to walk arm in arm so I could warm him up. Then he started exaggerating us walking in time with eachother (his legs are way longer than mine so we had to work together on this one), and soon we were practicing a three legged race for no reason whatsoever. And we giggled, and forgot the price of food, and stopped thinking about what we were going to do with our lives.

The dog ran off to chase seagulls. I hugged Dean even closer.

The beach is for moments of happiness. Ah. I love you beach.

From Janie Walker
A Coast Convert

Waikanae voted Top Town

2008-12-02T10:42:00.000+13:00

Our very own Waikanae voted " Best place to live" in New Zealand by North & South Magazine.
Where does one start... The fabulous garden area where they have the famous garden trails, Nga Manu Nature Reserve a real kiwi experience, Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours with the birdman himself Mik Peryer, Waikanae Golf course a brilliant course that welcomes visitors, the Waikanae pool great for families where you can spend the day picnicking in the grounds. The Beach a great place to launch the boat for a spot of fishing or just find your own safe swimming area. My favourites are the wonderful cafes & restaurants from Relish over the railway lines to Longbeach right opposite you guessed it the beach - which is where we at the Naturecoast had our Xmas function well done guys we had a fab time & a wonderful meal! Before I go there's great excitment in Mahara place - Waikanae are to get their very own theatre complete with comfy sofa's & a cafe - construction under way, watch this space! Remember to check out other great happenings on the naturecoast @ www.naturecoast.co.nz

What a Weekend!

2008-12-02T08:20:00.000+13:00

What a great weekend it was on the Kapiti Coast and in Horowhenua.

With such awesome weather, we even managed to squeeze in the Family Fun Day at Queen Elizabeth Park as well as the Paekakarki School Fair, both of which were awesome. QE2 Park was pretty full with the Girl Guides having a picnic as well as a big gathering of horse riders.

The Paekakariki School Fair, once again this year was excellent

For something completely different...has anyone checked out the new Campbell's Mill Road Walk Way, in the hills behind Paraparaumu yet? Its very easy to get to and by all accounts, an awesome 5km or so walk.

Maybe that's something for next week!

also if you haven't had a peek at this seasons Nature Coast Experience DVD, it should be here to have a look at.

Until then..

Chris

This weekend on the Nature Coast

2008-11-27T12:26:00.000+13:00

You know, this weekend is looking great.

for me, this is my top three picks for the weekend:

Levin Christmas Parade and Carols by Candlelight Concert
(rain day Sun 30 Nov) Parade starts at 5pm from Showgrounds Events Centre, Victoria Street, Levin. Concert and entertainment from 6pm. Carols by Candlelight starts at dusk (8pm) Food and craft stalls, Santa’s grotto. Prizes for best entrants for the parade.
Contact Linda Archer 06 366 0999 Stalls and entertainment Di Traynor 021 1515490

Healthy ‘Body and Soul’ Expo:
10am to 5pm at Otaki College, Mill Road, Otaki.
All interested in the psychic arts and natural remedies and healthy modalities plus option for healthy daily living should pencil in the dates. Contact 06 752 5896. email info@healthybodyandsoul.co.nz web www.healthybodyandsoul.co.nz

Thompson House Karen Daly and Ricky Lee Ette:
Exhibition of Paintings/Drawings
Thompson House, 4 Kent St, Levin. 10am – 4pm everyday. Free entry, all welcome.
Contact 06 368 5023

So no excuses - plenty to do on the Kapiti Coast and in the Horowhenua this weekend

Thanks
Chris