Waikanae Travel Guide
Waikanae accommodation, Waikanae activities and attractions, Waikanae maps, transportation to and around Waikanae - the ALL NEW Jasons Waikanae Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Waikanae.
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There is an excellent ocean surf beach just 5km away at Waikanae Beach, gateway to the
Kapiti Coast. Swimming, surfing and fishing are the main attractions, but tennis facilities and a golf course are also available in Waikanae. In earlier days, a large Maori village existed at the mouth of the river at the southern end of the beach.
The Ngati-awa tribe conquered the surrounding countryside after leaving their homelands on the North Taranaki Bight shores, seeking safety from the raiding Waikato tribesmen. They greatly assisted the famous Te Rauparaha during his southern raids. In 1848 they returned to their
North Taranaki homes having sold Waikanae to the British colonisers.
Geographic Location
Situated on the northern bank of the Waikanae River on State Highway 1, Waikanae town lies 60km north-east of Wellington and 36km south-west of Levin.