3 Best Sights in Kapiti Coast, Wellington and the Wairarapa

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We've compiled the best of the best in Kapiti Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Southward Car Museum

Fodor's Choice

Housing the southern hemisphere's largest private car collection, this museum has more than 400 automobiles and 140 motorcycles, plus aircraft, vintage tools, and an old fire engine. Among the most popular are Marlene Dietrich's 1934 Cadillac Town Cabriolet, a 1915 Stutz Indianapolis race car, a gull-winged Mercedes-Benz, a 1950 Cadillac "Gangster Special" that had belonged to gangster Mickey Cohen, and an 1895 Benz Velo.

Paekākāriki Escarpment Track

This 9-km (6-mile) cliffside trail has breathtaking views of the coast, and with its step-climbs and swing bridges, the track is a little different from your typical "long walks on the beach." Most walkers drive to the Pukerua Bay Train station and catch the northbound train to the next stop, Paekākāriki, to walk the trail from north to south.

State Hwy. 1, 5034, New Zealand

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Queen Elizabeth Park

Paekākāriki's draw is the shore, but it's also the main entry point for popular Queen Elizabeth Park, which covers more than 1,600 acres and is edged by sand dunes and swimmable beaches. Walking, horseback riding, and cycling are popular activities here. Of special interest is the World War II U.S. Marines memorial and display.

Recommended Fodor's Video

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