Pukerua Bay

Pukerua Bay Map Link

Access

The access road is not suitable for anything large. There are parts where there is only one way passage and it is steep. The ramp itself is for small craft only and is usable to mainly 4WD vehicles.

Parking

There isn't much parking available and the turning area for anyone with vehicle and trailer is limited to a bay at the end of the road.

Characteristics

This has limited accessability and is at the far end of the Kapiti Coastline Beaches. Smooth sea launching and retrieval only. Knowledge of the bay itself would be an advantage - as it has rock hazards.

Pictures

Raumati South Ramp off Jeep Road

Access

Off The Esplanade Raumati South and opposite Jeep Road
JeepRoad

This is a recently (circa early 2012) reconstructed ramp made of concrete with a reasonable slope for most vehicles. If wet a 4WD is recommended. It is designed for accessway to the beach sand for beach launching rather than launching off the actual ramp. It is not recommended for launch or retrieval at high tide as the water punches up through the ramp entrance making it risky for damage to self and boat.

Parking

Principally for individual cars but there could be room for one or two vehicles with trailers. It might also be possible to park out on The Esplanade itself. Depends on the popularity on the day.

Characteristics

A new and well made ramp. This end of the beach is best used when the weather and sea conditions are slight.

Pictures

Peka Peka Beach

Access
4WD recommended if towing heavier boat
Parking
Some room to leave vehicle in parking area but very limited especially in summer when this is a very popular destination . Cars angle park leaving only one small stretch opposite for vehicle and trailer.If parking on the sand be wary that tide can come up close to sandhills at high tide. I'd be hestitant about leaving vehicle on beach through a high tide.
Characteristics
Typical beach access road which can get build ups of drifted sand.Flat road.
Pictures

 

Car park

Entrance off car park

Closer view of access road

View exit access road

Closer view exit access road.

Waikanae Beach - Near Waikanae Boating Club

Access
On Tutuere Street just south of  Waimea Road. Beach Launch with access from car park alongside Waikanae Boating Club. http://www.waikanaeboatingclub.org.nz/
Short sealed road down to beach.
Parking
Waikanae Boating Club car park is large but for members only. Park on Beach.
Characteristics
Boat launching and parking south of entrance - signs depict this. See Pictures below.
Pictures

From Tutere Street

Waikanae Boating Club

Lookin away from car aprk to driveway out to Street

Kapiti Island etc has a Reserve

View down short sealed road to beach

Another of road to beach

View from Beach back up access road

Manly Street (North End Paraparaumu Beach)

Access
The entrance is an unnamed cul de sac south of Watson Drive
At the end of the cul de sac there is a sandy road to enter the beach.
The incline down this sandy road is such that I recommend a 4WD.
Parking
Very limited parking in the cul de sac - private residences along both sides.
Parking on the beach, be mindful that the high tide can come well up here.
Characteristics
An alternative to the nearby Paraparaumu Beach put-in. Within approx 2 KMs of same.
Pictures

Looking back towards cul de sac

The view of the cul de sac approaching

 from the south along Manly Street

View down the cul de sac - sandy road on extreme left at the end

The beginning of the sandy road

More signs

Continuing down to the water

Waste water pipe ?? Turn right I suggest !

 

Paraparaumu Beach

The first put-in nearest to me.
Situated at the entrance to the beach here are:-

• The Kapiti Boating Club http://www.kapitiboatingclub.org.nz/club/frameset.html 

• The Kapiti Coastguard  http://www.coastguardcentral.org.nz/localunits_kapiti.html

• The Kapiti Underwater Club http://www.divekapiti.org.nz/ 

Access is allowed onto the beach for the purposes of launching a boat or for disabled persons.
This is common from Waikanae south given the population using the beach.
Parking
Park vehicle and trailer back off the high water mark.Plenty of available space but leave room for each other as well as other beach users.
Characteristics
In my view, one of the better beach launch areas on the Kapiti Coast. Protected to some degree by the lee of Kapiti Island and also a convenient sandbar that helps dissipate waves making launching and retrieving easier. Popular especially in summer.Heavier boats have a challenge getting over the sandbar hence the availability of a tractor to Kapiti Boating Club Members. For light boats such as mine there is ample water to sail over the bar with centreboard raised.

Pictures

Exit from the beach

View of Kapiti Boating Club

Common signs on many beaches on the Kapiti Coast

View looking out to sea. Launching usually to the right of this fence line. This photo taken on a day that definitely wouldn't be suitable!

Beach Access Generally

On most of the Kapiti Coast where I live, launching is done off the beach and through waves. The locals in particular are dab hands at it. I'm still learning the 'tricks'. I've added goal posts to my trailer. (trailer guides I think they are mainly called) I have found them most helpful especially when retrieving after a sail. From my limited experience, floating the boat onto the trailer is to be avoided. I winch off the hard as do many others do here. The greatest damage, in my case, has been caused when launching. The worst times are when waves with wind and tide are not at right angles to the beach. The risk then is that the boat slams against the side of the trailer as it leaves the bunks (the carpeted guides the boat sits on)
The purpose of this particular post is to show generally what beach access signs looks like from about Raumati South North.

Not all labelled beach access signs are suitable or allowed for vehicular boat access and launching. But more will be revealed under each different venue post about signage and what each looks like.