Paekakariki (The perch of the green Parakeet) is a delightful village isolated from the main highway by the railway line and high rocky cliffs on its western edge. There is a hotel, a railway museum, a church, and a row of shops which contain a couple of cafes, a delicatessen, a dairy and fruit/veg store combined. An absolute feather in its cap is the northern entrance to the Paekakariki escarpment track, a 9 kilometre gut buster, known locally as the “Stairway to heaven” – referring of course to the wonderful views from most parts of the track.

You can access Queen Elizabeth Park with its motor camp, picnic areas and local surf club not to mention a memorial to the American soldiers who camped here during world war two. There are tram rides, horse rides and many interesting cycle and walks through dunes and regenerating coastal environment.

Plenty to see and do (and eat) in wonderful Paekakariki.