⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the Southward Car Museum in Paraparaumu, and I must say, it exceeded all expectations. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was struck with awe at the sheer size, scale, and beauty of the collection. It truly felt like walking through a living timeline of automotive history. The museum houses an extraordinary variety of vehicles—ranging from some of the earliest models that shaped the beginnings of motoring, through to iconic classics, racing legends, luxury cars, and even rare motorcycles. Each piece is immaculately preserved and displayed with care, and I was amazed at how close you could get to these works of engineering art. You don’t just see cars; you experience the innovation, stories, and history behind them. What impressed me further was the thoughtful way the museum is organized. Every turn revealed something unique, whether it was a vintage Rolls Royce, a finely detailed American classic, or a quirky car with a fascinating backstory. There is a sense of wonder at every corner. The sheer diversity of the collection makes it enjoyable not only for car enthusiasts but also for anyone who appreciates history, craftsmanship, and culture. The museum itself is spacious, well-lit, and easy to navigate. Staff members were welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the collection, adding even more richness to the visit. It’s not just a car museum—it’s a celebration of human creativity and progress. Southward Car Museum is a true treasure of New Zealand. I left feeling inspired and amazed, and I would highly recommend it to anyone—locals, tourists, families, or solo travelers. It is more than worth the visit.

Absolutely incredible collection and well worth the visit. We had the place to ourselves on a weekday morning. Took our time to look at both floors and the mezzanine. The place is awesome. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

We had a great day at southwards today. So much to see and all the new interactive stations were so informative and entertaining. I last visited over 12 years ago and the manager remembered my visit (for all the right reasons) and his team were very welcoming and helpful. The new additions to the fleet were great to see also. We had fun learning about Lens life and his adventures.

What an amazing place to go. So clean and tidy. Amazing presentation and display of our automobile history. An amazing job and story from Sir Len and Lady Vera. The legacy lives on today. I would highly recommend.

Awesome place to visit, been here many times ever since I was a kid, now in my 50s. The one thing I'm not happy about though, is the fact that quite a few of the cars & motorbikes that are there, are ones I grew up with, LOL! I must be getting old!

Fun for the family especially on a rainy day, so many cool cars to see, and stories about them and the founder.

Great place for someone who want to have a slice of vintage cars.. and the beauties

Decided to get some beer and pizza for dinner. Spent $50 to get two pizzas from here - they were smaller than $5 McCain's frozen pizza, one was incorrectly made. Would not recommend as portion size / Flavour doesn't reflect price

Really nice spot. They have a lot of different beers to offer. But!!! I would expect at least from the people who work there to give me a proper recommendation or explanation of the beers. Please, teach your employees more about your beers, than "a lot of people drink that" or "oh yes, that one is popular". Kind regards from a German, your beers deserve more than that👍

Had my husbands birthday celebration at Tuatara on Saturday. The venue was perfect, the staff was wonderful and the food was outstanding. Highly recommended, 10 Stars in my book! Thank you Tuatara for hosting a brilliant night.

Award winning Tuatara beers. Best place if you are in Paraparaumu or want to visit. Great covered outdoor seating and food.

Great food and great beer. Service was good when we got there and died of towards the end but we still had a great time

From Wellington visiting my mother the day before a marathon so naturally I'm pretty picky with fresh foods. We ordered under First Table and got simple drinks followed by the Pacific pizza and the Chicken Cranberry pizza. Most people would be turned off by how thin the pizza is but I thoroughly enjoyed it as it gave less pastry to chew on to focus on the flavors actually on said pizzas. The Pacific was my favorite and as a post surgery recoverer it went down well with no issues. Pacific was season nicely and both had plenty of stringy cheese! The cranberries on the chicken pizza were not overly sweet and in fact gave a good tart bite along the mellow brie cheese and succulent chicken. 5 stars for the friendly staff, beautiful internal decoration and nice outdoor seating for a breezy summer evening, nice environment and overall good food. Aiming to bring my partner here next time as they love a good beer!

Enjoyed it here. Really good choice of beers on tap! Reasonably priced 🍻

How hot it is in these pools is just ridiculous. Trying to be a proactive child supervisor is made almost impossible by the distraction of trying to find cool down methods. Thankfully now child is 8 she is allowed in the bigger pool where she is cooler (despite the fact that when she was 6 she was a fully competent swimmer easily doing a 200m medley - which I’m sure most lifeguards couldn’t do!)

Staff were friendly. The lifeguards were good at managing the unruly kids. The older kids were a bit rambunctious. Pool (s) much smaller than I anticipated. Liked that there was an outdoor seating area. Wouldn’t want to be in the tiny cafe with kids party going on! Toilets clean. Recommend taking own food/snacks.

Went with my toddler on a Saturday morning and only pool that we could use was the toddler/infant pool, because swimming lessons were on until 12pm. That wasn't a problem. But because of the lessons, all the parents and infants/toddlers were crowding in the toddler pool - also not a problem - except for the fact that right in the middle of said pool was a water cannon, that was then used by older kids to rinse everyone within the vicinity. We got sprayed numerous times in the face, making an already anxious kid even more anxious. Lots of tired and over it parents in there, and the last thing anyone really needs is a spray in the face with a water cannon. If I wasn't trying to manage my own kid, I would've said something to the staff. Whoever designed or approved that thing to be that powerful and in the middle of the TODDLER POOL really needs to reconsider it. And parents, for the love of God, teach your kids to be mindful of other people or someone else will! Otherwise, facilities were clean.

Beautiful facility, friendly staff, cafe good coffee. Clean warm toilets and changerooms. Good parking and east access to Coastlands.

I love the aquatic centre , staff are always welcoming and the pool is just lovely to swim and aqua jog in … the learn to swim for my grandson is a really positive programme, very different approach to other learn to swim in area embracing the love of swimming whilst teaching water safety and learn to swim .

One of the few Wellington region pools that a school charter bus can use and keep students safe when loading/unloading

Great pool area for kids and adults. Many swim lanes and a large toddler pool. Great building. Nice place to visit on a rainy or hot day. Well worth admissions.

Good spot for families with kids. The park has enough swings and stuff for kids to keep them entertained. Easy access to the beach for the park. The beach gives a good view of the Kapiti island and sunset on a nice day. There is some freedom camping around, so the area stays a little busy.

A bit windy on the day we visited. Nice to experience the true love of that cold bitter wind. Has an awesome skate park. Keeps the kids busy and entertained for hours.

Love spending time here, enjoying the fresh sea air, and taking in wonderful views of Kapiti Island. On a clear day, you can also see the top of the South Island very clearly. There's a wonderful walkway in the area, that allows one to walk along the whole beach area, with a number of walk-ways leading down to the beach. Many times I have taken sight of beautiful sunsets while here; and have also really enjoyed sitting at one of the parks picnic tables enjoying either a wonderful ice cream from a nearby dairy, or fish and chips from the nearby McLean Street Fish and Chip shop!

Lovely place for kids to play and have a quick picnic, or go for a walk on the beach. Skatepark for older kids. Currently undergoing renovations, but play and skate area unaffected. Lots of restaurants and shops close by, so even if you did not pack a picnic you should be sorted for any meal.

Awesome park! Has many features that a lot are missing like toilets, adequate seating and some unique play areas. Awesome

Great park, undergoing maintenance/ upgrades to the grounds which will be completed over the next few years. Great for the kids with a range of different playground equipment and a skate park too. Toilets, a drinking fountain, park benches situated around the park. Great location, close to the beach and shops.

Great beach with nearby changing rooms and toilets. Icecream parlour and cafes available nearby and also a small supermarket. Easy access via bus.

As always Jan and the team did a great job in organising our flights to Europe and return. The one itinerary change that occurred was quickly relayed to us.

Only five stars?? I'd give them more if I could!! I also highly recommend Alicia, and in fact the whole team, from The House Of Travel, Waikanae. I just needed some bookings organized and although of little value they dealt with me in a way that reflected highly valuing all clients, regardless of the return to them. I had to make several changes, but this was always dealt with happily and with a smile, as if it was no trouble or bother. When I went into store to complete the purchase, the friendly, fun and yet professional spirit within the office was obvious. I would gladly do business with these guys again, anytime and to anywhere. Try them, you won't be disappointed. Thank you Alicia, Jo and the rest of the crew. All the best to you all, you deserve every success.

OUTSTANDING ! We went to Jo with a simple plan .She put together the most amazing affordable 20 day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. Coordinating flights, boat cruises, accommodation and transport We experienced the best service, most friendly people. Great food, accommodation and knowledgeable guides .Highly recommend House of Travel Kapiti for exceptional personalised planning.

Always extremely informative, friendly and super helpful. She listens to what we are looking for and gets answers to questions promptly.She arranged our trip last year and it went totally smoothly and we are sure that the same will happen this time.

Jan did a great job organizing our wonderful trip to Honolulu, cruise to Alaska then Vancouver, she explained all aspects of our trip well and all went smoothly, would definitely use Jan in the future. The highlight of our trip was Alaska especially Skagway .Thanks so much we had an awesome time

Have alaways been a great bunch to deal with especially my last two trips to the UK and Japan with everything going smoothly and according to plan.

Jan and the Team, always listen to your needs / wishes and come up with the best deals, advice without any pressure. Once happy with our Trip plans, Jan gets on with the job without any issues.

The environment is very good, the air is fresh and comfortable. It is a good place for both dogs and people.

Love it. Great place to walk the dog. There's lots of different tracks, some shady some more open so depending on the weather there's somewhere suitable. I travel from Otaki with my dog as Otaki is difficult to walk with so many roaming dogs. So far the dog owners I've encountered are very responsible. There are "on lead" & "off lead" areas. My dog is always on a lead as her recall is not good. We both feel more relaxed & safe here.

I highly recommend it because you can witness stunning views. Cool spot to have lunch and just enjoy nature.

This was a great place to start and finish our walk (a loop from Otaihanga bridge and then out East). Lovely setting, good facilities with the public toilets, and an easy stroll to the river mouth and the sand.

Overwhelmingly idyllic, dappled sunlight, picnicking people. On a picture-perfect summer's day, it is blissfully utopian.

New Zealand just continious to amaze me, This little treasure is a stone throw away from the neighbourhood. It feels surreal walking along the well maintained wooden pathways and gravel paths. The plant live is mostly indignious and a great effort is being made to rid the area of Alien plants. I take my hat off to those involved with the upkeep of this area. We did not walk the whole route but will be back again to complete this route. The kids loved crossing the many bridges and wooden pathways, best was getting to the estruary and seeing all the bird live around.

Love this place, especially the new murals! I take my lizard down here to catch some sun and everyone is always polite and happy. Cute little park, lovely river, amazing native birds.

Nice place right next to the beach... A beautiful play area for kids... Splash pool for kids to enjoy in summer... Awesome spot on top to watch sunset...

Great park, lots for kids to do including train rides in the weekends. Close to the beach and our all time favourite fish and chip shop - worth the long drive from the Hutt Valley!

Beautiful beach with beautiful scenery and great views of Kapiti Nature Reserve

Good place to take the kids for a play on the playground or a walk along the beach

Another amazing West Coast Beach, close to Kapiti Island. Well worth visiting and a good swim on a sunny weekend.

Beautiful scenery, public toilets that get locked in evening but one open all night. We had a peaceful evening. Restaurant at the carpark. Only one night for freedom campers they do come check.

Best playground to keep the kids occupied, especially on hot sunny days. Trains on Sunday afternoons, water park is fantastic, gas BBQ facilities to cook something,and close to restaurants and fish and chips. Great fun for the family,great place to get together for a picnic and just have an enjoyable time outdoors.

It’s a nice park with a few trails that one can bike around, all the way to the beach. Then from there ride up to Raumati and enjoy a nice day out When we went (March2025) the trail from the beach to raumati was closed, so we had to do it along the beach with the bikes. Luckily the sand is quite compacted and this was doable

Beautiful views and nice walking spots. Nice and cleans and toilets available around the park area.

Great park, good facilities and toilets. Nice tram running from the entrance of the park to the other side near the beach part with views of Kapiti Island, operating from 11am till 4pm. Bikes and dog friendly, very spacious with different pathways at the centre to Paraparaumu (North) or Paekakariki (South). Plenty of parking around, taseal paths throughout.

We did half of one of the walks before it started raining some of the pathway was quite steep and slippery but was a lovely walk and probably really nice on a fine day

Great little track on top of dunes , views are nice anytime of year

Nice easy walks through the park, take the coastal path on a calm day and spend some time on the beach. If windy go the inland track, there’s also a bike track if you’re into that. Toilets at the start of the track and Whareroa Beach.

Beautiful beach. Perfect for swimming.

Lots of parking, lots of shopping options. The Mall is on one level. Eateries are centrally located in the centre. Could probably handle another 1 or 2. Good option for visitors, off the Kapiti Expressway and lots of big box retailers within walking distance Same too for other eating options.

Been here couple of times and I really enjoy every visit. The place is clean and there is a wide variety of food choices in their food court. There are toilets that clean and well maintained. There are several shops and a supermarket within the mall.

I created this Google account specifically to leave this review because I’ve never had such an unprofessional experience. I approached the help desk regarding an issue with my Coastlands voucher and was assisted by Barbara. From the very beginning, she was abrupt and unfriendly—which, in itself, I can overlook—but before I even had a chance to explain the issue, she interrupted me and dismissed my concerns She checked my balance and told me (quite abruptly) what it was—something I already knew. Without explaining anything, she then walked away with my card and took me to the Dollar Store to show me that the voucher worked. I never questioned that it worked in some places—I was asking why it didn’t work at a specific store, and was trying to understand if it could be used there. When I tried to clarify this, she responded with a sigh and said, “Well, you can’t,” in an impatient tone. I understand not all issues can be resolved, but I expected at least a basic level of politeness and communication—which was not offered. Barbara then rang a coworker, chatted with them briefly, and told me there was nothing she could do—again, with no clear explanation. At no point did she take a moment to acknowledge my frustration or offer any clarity or closure. Instead, she made a joke about using the remaining $12 to buy groceries—at which point I explained how unprofessional the entire interaction had felt. She spoke over me, walked off while I was still explaining, and failed to communicate what she was doing at several key points. I was left feeling dismissed, confused, and frankly embarrassed. This was an upsetting and unhelpful experience, and I hope future customers are treated with more patience and respect.

A small mall, most of the food court is made up of various Asian places I would have thought there would be more variety. The shops are all the standard ones you find everywhere. It's handy and has some big box stores and pak n sav, new world so it makes it easier for shopping for basics. The mall is very clean and well cared for

I’ve recently moved to the area and I’ve struggled to understand why the locals complain about this mall. That said, I don’t like malls! The quieter the better and I don’t like to amble around. I’m there for specifics! Never any issues finding a park, I go to Farmers for clothes/make up, there’s a cinema, and a supermarket. It’s never particularly busy and that suits me! It’s surrounded by a retail park that has all the big names, The Warehouse, Harvey Norman, Briscoes, etc. you couldn’t visit the area and not get what you need! My 16 year old daughter and her friend visited and complained it was small with ‘nothing there.’ But again, I can’t understand the need to wander around a mall. I did use customer service to find the CAB, and she was really helpful. I’ve been warned that parking is strictly monitored and I’ve seen the enforcement guys out - but why you’d need so much time is beyond me! It’s also a clean mall with plenty of seating dotted around. And I’m pleased to see active security during after hours - for example, late night Pac N Save/Woolworths shops.

I want to acknowledge Donna Hart and team ( cleaning team ) with a greatful thanks..I so appreciate each and everyone of you

I couldn't expect such a nice shopping center in Paraparaumu. Farmers is better than the one in Napier or Hastings