Waikanae | |
|---|---|
Medium urban area | |
 Kapiti Island seen from Waikanae Beach | |
 Interactive map of Waikanae | |
| Coordinates:40°52′30″S175°03′50″E / 40.87500°S 175.06389°E /-40.87500; 175.06389 | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Wellington Region |
| Territorial authority | Kāpiti Coast District |
| Ward | Waikanae Ward |
| Community | Waikanae Community |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Kāpiti Coast District Council |
| • Regional council | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
| • Kāpiti Coast Mayor | Janet Holborow[1] |
| • Ōtaki MP | Tim Costley[2] |
| • Te Tai Hauāuru MP | Debbie Ngarewa-Packer[3] |
| Area | |
• Total | 19.59 km2 (7.56 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2025)[5] | |
• Total | 13,600 |
| • Density | 694/km2 (1,800/sq mi) |
Waikanae (English:/ˌwaɪkəˈnaɪ/,Māori pronunciation:[ˈwaikaˈnae]ⓘ) is a town on theKāpiti Coast, 60 km (37 mi) north of theWellington, New Zealand.[6] The name is aMāori word meaning "waters" (wai) "of thegrey mullet".[7]
The area surrounding the town is notable for its 2.4-kilometre-long (1.5 mi) beach, theWaikanae River estuary, theKapiti Marine Reserve, andKapiti Island, which lies 4 km (2.5 mi) offshore in theTasman Sea. The town is considered one of the top retirement destinations in the Wellington Region, because of it having year-round mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and less wind than Wellington.[6]
The town is 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast ofParaparaumu, and 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest ofŌtaki. TheWaikanae railway station is the northernmost station in theMetlink passenger rail network, linking withWellington railway station in Central Wellington.
Waikanae lies in a setting of open farmland and forest between theTasman Sea and the ruggedTararua Range. Prior to human settlement the Waikanae coastal plain comprisedwetlands divided by a complex pattern of natural waterways andkohekohe wooded regions.
Together with its neighbouring settlement of Waikanae Beach, the town comprises a quiet locale, popular with families and retirees. Just north of Waikanae is the small community ofPeka Peka.
The area surrounding the town is notable for its beach, theWaikanae River estuary andKapiti Island, which lies 4 km (2.5 mi) offshore in theTasman Sea. Waikanae Beach is approximately 2.4 km (1.5 mi) long from the Waikanae River estuary to the Waimeha Stream.[8] The eastern section of theKapiti Marine Reserve lies between Kapiti Island and Waikanae Beach, and adjoins the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve.[9] Whales andHector's dolphins are sometimes spotted on their migration routes through the narrow corridor.[10]
Inland, to the east of Waikanae are the bush clad Hemi Matenga Reserve, the Tararua Ranges and theAkatarawa Valley, home to a conservation park, Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe. A road through the valley over the Akatarawa Saddle provides a link with theHutt Valley viaReikorangi andCloustonville. The headwaters of theWaikanae River form where a number of streams converge in the inland Reikorangi Basin. From here the river runs through a gap in the foothills, across the coastal plain and sand dunes to the sea.
The Tararua Range provides shelter for Waikanae from the south and east, as does Kapiti Island from the west. The area accordingly escapes the heavy winds and storms of the neighbouringCook Strait region. The shallow depths of Waikanae Beach produces a higher water temperature than the steeper coastlines ofWellington harbour to the south. The prevailing wind blows from the north-west, which drives rain-clouds inland to the ranges and results in high rainfalls during the winter and spring.[11]
| Climate data for Waikanae | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 17.5 (63.5) | 18.0 (64.4) | 17.1 (62.8) | 15.6 (60.1) | 14.1 (57.4) | 12.3 (54.1) | 11.3 (52.3) | 11.3 (52.3) | 12.1 (53.8) | 13.0 (55.4) | 14.3 (57.7) | 16.2 (61.2) | 14.4 (57.9) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 16.3 (61.3) | 16.8 (62.2) | 15.9 (60.6) | 14.4 (57.9) | 13.0 (55.4) | 11.3 (52.3) | 10.2 (50.4) | 10.3 (50.5) | 11.0 (51.8) | 11.9 (53.4) | 13.2 (55.8) | 15.2 (59.4) | 13.3 (55.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 15.1 (59.2) | 15.6 (60.1) | 14.6 (58.3) | 13.2 (55.8) | 11.8 (53.2) | 10.1 (50.2) | 9.1 (48.4) | 9.1 (48.4) | 9.8 (49.6) | 10.7 (51.3) | 12.0 (53.6) | 14.0 (57.2) | 12.1 (53.8) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 96.6 (3.80) | 108.6 (4.28) | 97.4 (3.83) | 128.1 (5.04) | 146.6 (5.77) | 153.0 (6.02) | 139.0 (5.47) | 151.1 (5.95) | 148.1 (5.83) | 156.8 (6.17) | 127.0 (5.00) | 149.6 (5.89) | 1,601.9 (63.05) |
| Source: Weather.Directory[12] | |||||||||||||
Archaeological and ethnographical research suggests that Waikanae may have been first inhabited by the Waitahamoa-hunters as early as a thousand years ago.[13] Successive waves of settlement by theNgāti Apa,Rangitāne andMuaūpokoiwi (tribal groups) ensured that the area continues to have major historic and mythological significance for theMāori people of New Zealand. SeeKāpiti Coast for greater detail.
In 1824, Waikanae Beach was the embarkation point for a force of 2,000 to 3,000 fighters from coastal iwi, who assembled with the intention of taking Kapiti Island from theNgāti Toa led byTe Rauparaha. Crossing the strait in a fleet ofwaka canoes under shelter of darkness, the attackers were met and destroyed as they disembarked at the northern end of Kapiti Island.[14]
Whakarongotai Marae is located in Waikanae. It is amarae (social and cultural meeting ground) forTe Atiawa ki Whakarongotai and includes the Whakarongotai or Puku Mahi Tamarikiwharenui (meeting house).[15][16][17]
Waikanae Beach is a habitat forterns,seagulls,oystercatchers, andstilts. Inland wetlands provide habitat forpūkeko,crake andNew Zealand dabchicks. White frontedherons,tūī andshags range across the coastal plain.[18] The ready availability of both birdlife and seafood encouraged early Māori settlement of the area. Introduced species such as ducks and black swans have also flourished over the last century.
The Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve is a nationally–significant reserve located at the mouth of the Waikanae River. The reserve was established in 1987 to protect the large number of bird species that use the area.[19][20]
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve is a 14 hectares (35 acres) reserve located north of the town. It preserves the largest remnant of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kāpiti Coast, and is a popular visitor attraction.[21][22]Pharazyn Reserve is located to the north of the Waikanae Beach settlement, adjacent to the Te Harakeke Swamp, a regionally significant area ofharakeke andraupō wetland. The site was originally established as asewage treatment plant in the 1970s, but was decommissioned in 2002. A long term environmental restoration project was commenced to restore the site as a recreation and wildlife reserve. The site is now described as one of the top 10birdwatching sites in the Wellington region.[23]
To the east of Waikanae is the heavily forested 330 ha (820 acres) Hemi Matenga Reserve covering a range overlooking the town itself. Rising to 514 metres above sea level, the forest comprises one of the most extensive areas ofkohekohe woodland left in New Zealand. The reserve was named after its former owner; Hemi Matenga Waipunahau of theNgāti Toa,[24] following his death in 1912. It is traversed by several walking tracks[25] and forms an extension of theTararua Range.[26]
Waikanae is described byStatistics New Zealand as a medium urban area, which covers 19.59 km2 (7.56 sq mi).[4] It had an estimated population of 13,600 as of June 2025, with a population density of 694.23 people per km2.
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 10,206 | — |
| 2013 | 10,602 | +0.55% |
| 2018 | 12,099 | +2.68% |
| 2023 | 12,966 | +1.39% |
| Source:[27][28] | ||
Waikanae had a population of 12,966 in the2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 867 people (7.2%) since the2018 census, and an increase of 2,364 people (22.3%) since the2013 census. There were 6,012 males, 6,903 females, and 51 people ofother genders in 5,727 dwellings.[29] 3.1% of people identified asLGBTIQ+. The median age was 54.8 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 1,815 people (14.0%) aged under 15 years, 1,386 (10.7%) aged 15 to 29, 5,073 (39.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 4,692 (36.2%) aged 65 or older.[27]
People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 89.7%European (Pākehā); 9.9%Māori; 2.7%Pasifika; 6.0%Asian; 0.8% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.6% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.2%, Māori by 1.9%, Samoan by 0.3%, and other languages by 10.3%. No language could be spoken by 1.4% (e.g. too young to talk).New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.4%. The percentage of people born overseas was 26.1, compared with 28.8% nationally.[27]
Religious affiliations were 37.1%Christian, 0.5%Hindu, 0.3%Islam, 0.3%Māori religious beliefs, 0.4%Buddhist, 0.7%New Age, 0.1%Jewish, and 1.3% other religions. People who answered that they hadno religion were 52.6%, and 6.9% of people did not answer the census question.[27]
Of those at least 15 years old, 3,360 (30.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 5,613 (50.3%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 2,175 (19.5%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $37,600, compared with $41,500 nationally. 1,557 people (14.0%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 4,368 (39.2%) full-time, 1,530 (13.7%) part-time, and 171 (1.5%) unemployed.[27]
| Name | Area (km2) | Population | Density (per km2) | Dwellings | Median age | Median income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waikanae Beach | 4.37 | 3,249 | 743 | 1,437 | 52.6 years | $42,800[30] |
| Waikanae Park | 7.37 | 2,427 | 329 | 1,062 | 55.1 years | $38,400[31] |
| Waikanae West | 4.68 | 4,755 | 1,016 | 2,208 | 59.9 years | $33,400[32] |
| Waikanae East | 3.19 | 2,535 | 795 | 1,020 | 50.7 years | $40,000[33] |
| New Zealand | 38.1 years | $41,500 |
It was forecast in 2012 that Waikanae's relative abundance of unoccupied land and recent or pending improvements in transport links will lead to a population increase to about 15,000 by 2032.[6]
Local government for the town is provided by the Kāpiti Coast District Council. Waikanae is one of the five electoral wards of the District Council. The Waikanae Community Board represents the area from Waikanae Downs in the south through toTe Horo in the north.[34] The community board has an advocacy role, and also administers local grant funding.[35]
Greater Wellington Regional Council is responsible for regional governance of the district and the wider region, including public transport, water and environmental management.
The central Waikanae village includes two supermarkets, theToi Mahara gallery,[36] three bank branches,[37] a health centre, three pharmacies, a post shop, a war memorial hall, a smaller community hall, theKapiti Coast Museum,[38] a church, a public library, a cinema and a number of other shops, restaurants, and businesses. There are two primary schools (see below), a golf course, bowling club, and several retirement centres.
Mahara Gallery is an art gallery opened in 1996.[39][40] It was renovated in 2023 and renamed "Toi Mahara".[41]
Te Araroa (the country's long-distance walking trail) leads through Waikanae.
Waikanae Park is acricket ground. It held its firstList A match whenCentral Districts playedAuckland in the 1993/94Shell Cup. The ground later held five further List A matches, the last of which came in the 2004/05State Shield when Central Districts played Wellington.[42]Central Districts Women used Waikanae Park as a home venue in two fixtures in the 2001/02State League.[43]
Waikanae is the largest of the 14 residential suburbs which lie within theTerritorial Authority of the Kāpiti Coast, in terms of the total number of residential properties. The greater portion of Waikanae's houses were constructed during the period 1970–1979.[44]
Development of numerous private gardens has led at one point to Waikanae having one of the highest levels of water consumption per head of population in New Zealand. The community draws its water from the single source of the Waikanae River, and seasonal shortages during the warmer months of the year constitute a growing problem for the area.[45] Planning for new residential development has specifically included the need to meet water supply needs.[citation needed]
The town is located onState Highway 1 and theNorth Island Main Trunk railway. In February 2017 theKāpiti Expressway was opened[46] to enable State Highway 1 to bypass the centre of the township. The opening of theTransmission Gully Motorway increased accessibility to the town for commuters travelling to and from Wellington.[6]
The town is the current northern terminus of theKāpiti Line for theMetlink commuter rail service. This service has operated since February 2011, into the newly rebuiltWaikanae Railway Station. The newMatangi electric multiple units entered service at the same time in 2011. Prior to that, the only direct commuter train to Wellington was theCapital Connection fromPalmerston North which still leaves for Wellington in the morning and returns in the eveningen route toPalmerston North.
Local bus services link Waikanae Village with Waikanae Beach and Ōtaki.
A radio station Beach FM 106.3 broadcasts from Waikanae Village, covering the Kāpiti and Horowhenua districts. The local newspaper Kāpiti Observer provides coverage of the Kāpiti region.
Waikanae School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[47][48] with a roll of 502 as of October 2025.[49] It opened in 1896. The closure of Reikorangi School (opened 1889)[50] in 1969 substantially increased the roll of Waikanae School.[51]
Kapakapanui School is also a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[52][53] with a roll of 553.[54] It opened in 1978 as Kapanui School, and changed its name to Kapakapanui School in 2020.[55]
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| National | |
