Grab a drink up the Coast

One of Kāpiti’s hidden gems is Duncan’s Brewing Co. One of a suite of successful microbreweries in the area, Duncan’s is generally open for takeaway cellar door sales only. Buy a glass flagon or bring your own reusable bottle for tap beer.

On the second Saturday of every month, Duncan’s operates a Popup Brewery Bar and hosts live music. Grab a table in the brewery, and choose from the 10 beers on tap. Food is usually by local favourites Passo or a guest food truck, while local musicians add that extra bit of sparkle to a unique night out.

At Long Beach, simplicity meets quality. The all day café and tavern is dedicated to fresh and local ingredients.

Located right on Waikanae Beach, Long Beach is the perfect spot to refuel after a day in or on the water. Grab a coffee after a morning dip, or meet friends here for brunch or lunch. Head down for dinner and make the most of the relaxed atmosphere, impressive beer and wine list. Pizza is the star of the show, with classic flavours along with few the team have dreamed up.

Sitting outside, you’ll be warmed by the heated seats and outdoor fire on cooler evenings. Rain protection means guests can enjoy the sheltered Long Beach garden year-round.

Located in Raumati South Village, the Raumati Social Club takes its name seriously. A hub where locals gather to catch up over good food and local brews, the café and restaurant transforms into a live music venue on the weekends, showcasing music from the Kāpiti Coast and beyond.

As well as a large and varied menu, cabinet food is made fresh daily, and dietary requirements are easily catered for.

The focus here is local all the way: from the local art lining the walls, to the local produce at the heart of the menu. And of course, the place is always busy with local faces, catching up at their local spot.

North End Brewery is a small craft brewery in Waikanae. Its brews are inspired by traditional European styles but have a natural twist, using produce grown on the Kāpiti Coast. The brewery takes its name from Kapiti Island, where the aptly named ‘North End’ is best viewed from Waikanae Beach. Head in for a tasting, or to fill your flagon to take home.

The brewery is connected to restaurant and café Salt and Wood Collective, which is open all day for American-style BBQ food (the perfect pairing).

Prepare your taste buds for a wild ride. The Bond Store is a working distillery in the heart of Paraparaumu. Open six days a week, you can call in to taste and purchase a wide range of spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails, or sit down to take it all in with a platter. 

For those with more time you can take a guided tour of the distillery or relax in the garden. Sit with your new favourite cocktails and a platter of local artisan products. The owners insist it isn’t a highbrow distillery. The Bond Store is down-to-earth and is only worried about quality, craftsmanship, and locally sourced ingredients that pack a flavour punch.