The local beach is safe and oh so close. It has an esplanade that is perfect for children on bikes and buggies. Walk along the beach in either direction and soak up the sun or the beautiful sunsets. There is also the large regional, coastal park, Queen Elizabeth Park, which sits between Raumati South and Paekakariki. It has great mountain bike/walk paths all through it. There are two great cafes with regular music and great coffee to choose from in Raumati South, a well-stocked Four Square and a fish & chip shop. Raumati Beach, just up the way, has boutique shops, a great bakery and the fantastic Marine Gardens that has a water park feature, playground and miniature trains. Kapiti really has something for everyone: from the golf courses (including renowned Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course) to Kapiti Island's nature reserve and bird sanctuary; from the mountain bike tracks/walks at Whareroa Farm to the new aquatic centre; from the native bush walks of the Nikau or Hemi Matenga Reserves to being among the friendly Raumati South locals who have many musicians, artists and poets among them performing locally; and from the Kapiti Coast tramway to the scenic flights or gliding at Kapiti Coast Airport.