Waikanae

Travel Guide

A coastal town with residential areas, a large body of water, and a mountain in the distance.
An aerial view of a coastal town with a river, residential areas, and a beach.
A sunset over a river with mountains in the background.
A beach with a cloudy sky and calm water reflecting the sky.
A coastal landscape with dense greenery and a distant view of a mountain range across a body of water.

Where to stay in Waikanae

Find the best Waikanae areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Waikanae
Learn more about Waikanae

Waikanae Beach

While visiting Waikanae Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Waikanae Beach and Waikānae Estuary Scientific Reserve.

Kapiti Gateway Motel

Kapiti Gateway Motel

2.5 out of 5
114 Main Road Waikanae
$86 nightly
The price is $100 total per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$100 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Waikanae. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nga Manu Nature Reserve and Waimeha Domain are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (254 reviews)
"Outstanding room clean very well stocked appliances etc cheers"

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2026

Kapiti Gateway Motel
Kiwiana themed bach, perfect for family getaways or a retreat near the beach!

Kiwiana themed bach, perfect for family getaways or a retreat near the beach!

Waikanae Beach Wellington Region
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Waikanae. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Waimeha Domain and Waikanae Beach are ...
Get rates
Kiwiana themed bach, perfect for family getaways or a retreat near the beach!
Waikanae - Restaurez chez Bijoux

Waikanae - Restaurez chez Bijoux

Waikanae Beach Wellington
$178 nightly
The price is $178 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$178 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this vacation home in Waikanae. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Waimeha Domain and Waikanae Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Nice little spot handy to restaurants and the beach, The host was friendly and prompt at communicating .Thanks for the stay"

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2026

Waikanae - Restaurez chez Bijoux
See all 286 properties in Waikanae
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kiwiana themed bach, perfect for family getaways or a retreat near the beach!

Kiwiana themed bach, perfect for family getaways or a retreat near the beach!

Waikanae Beach Wellington Region
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Waikanae. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Waimeha Domain and Waikanae Beach are ...
Kiwiana themed bach, perfect for family getaways or a retreat near the beach!
Waikanae - Restaurez chez Bijoux

Waikanae - Restaurez chez Bijoux

Waikanae Beach Wellington
Stay at this vacation home in Waikanae. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Waimeha Domain and Waikanae Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Nice little spot handy to restaurants and the beach, The host was friendly and prompt at communicating .Thanks for the stay"

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2026

Waikanae - Restaurez chez Bijoux
Tranquility Base - Waikanae Beach Holiday Home

Tranquility Base - Waikanae Beach Holiday Home

Waikanae Beach Wellington - Wairarapa
Stay at this cottage in Waikanae. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Waikanae Beach and Waimeha Domain are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Great house, lots of room, well equipped. We enjoyed the spa in the garden"

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2026

Tranquility Base - Waikanae Beach Holiday Home
See all properties in Waikanae
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Waikanae attractions

Waikanae Beach

9.0/10 (114 reviews)
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Waikanae Beach during your travels in Waikanae? Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its entertainment venues.
See properties

Things to do

Kiwi on Kapiti

Overnight Experience Tour on Kapiti Island

$400
per adult
Overnight Experience Tour on Kapiti Island
8-Hour Private Scenic Kapiti Coast Tour from Wellington

8-Hour Private Scenic Kapiti Coast Tour from Wellington

$569
per adult
8-Hour Private Scenic Kapiti Coast Tour from Wellington
Coffee roasting at The Roastery Kāpiti.

A Taste of Kapiti - Kapiti Foodie Delights Tour

$683
per adult
A Taste of Kapiti - Kapiti Foodie Delights Tour
See all activities in Waikanae

Frequently asked questions

Is Waikanae worth visiting?
Waikanae is worth visiting for its natural attractions and wildlife experiences. Travelers can relax at the scenic Waikanae Beach or explore the diverse flora and fauna at Nga Manu Nature Reserve. For those who prefer to cook, local grocers are available for self-catering needs.
When is the best time to visit Waikanae?
The best time to visit Waikanae is from November through March, when the weather is warm and pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter month of July is a good option, offering cooler temperatures during this time.
What is Waikanae known for?
Waikanae is known for Waikanae Beach, a popular coastal destination. Travelers can also explore Nga Manu Nature Reserve, offering opportunities to experience local wildlife, and the Waimeha Domain, providing green space for recreation.
What is a good itinerary length for Waikanae?
A good itinerary length for Waikanae is two to three days to explore Waikanae Beach, Nga Manu Nature Reserve, and Waimeha Domain. An extended stay of three to four days allows time for a Kapiti Island: Classic Guided Day Tour and enjoying local dining, including Asian, Italian, and steakhouse options.
What are the top things to do in and around Waikanae?
Waikanae offers natural beauty and unique experiences for travelers to enjoy:

  • Stroll along Waikanae Beach, a popular spot for relaxation
  • Explore Nga Manu Nature Reserve, home to native wildlife and plants
  • Visit Waimeha Domain, another beautiful natural area
  • Take a Classic Guided Day Tour to Kapiti Island

How do I plan a trip to Waikanae?
To plan your trip to Waikanae, book flights, hotels, and rental cars early. Secure popular activities like the Kapiti Island: Classic Guided Day Tour in advance. For outdoor excursions to Waikanae Beach or Nga Manu Nature Reserve, always have indoor backup plans ready for weather flexibility.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Waikanae?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Waikanae by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Waikanae with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Waikanae trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Waikanae?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Waikanae can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Waikanae trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Waikanae trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Waikanae trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Waikanae trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Waikanae?
If it's your first trip to Waikanae, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Waikanae hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Waikanae hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Waikanae

A coastal landscape with a clear blue sea, a winding road, and a green hillside.

Paraparaumu

A coastal town with houses, a beach, and a mountain in the distance.

Peka Peka

A river with sunlight reflecting on the water, surrounded by rocks and trees, with a bridge in the background.

Hautere

Explore a world of travel with Expedia