CLUB PROFILE

Official Club Name: The Friendship Force of Kapiti Coast Inc

Closest Major Airport: Wellington (approximately 1hr 15 mins travelling time).

Transport to the Coast: Shuttle Service (10 passengers per shuttle-bus)

If Kapiti Coast is phase 1 of an exchange, Ambassadors arriving via the US will fly into Auckland. From there it is a one hour flight to Wellington where you will be met by our ED. Ambassadors flying directly into Wellington from Australia will also be met at Wellington airport. Transport to the Kapiti Coast will be at the Ambassadors' expense. Where Kapiti Coast is phase 2 of an exchange and phase 1 is north of our region, visitors may choose to travel by either coach or train to Paraparaumu, where you will be met by your accommodation hosts.

Membership: Approximately 80, mainly retired and semi-retired.

Hostings Available: Minimum 10: Maximum 25

Our Club:
Formed in 1987, the Kapiti Friendship Force is one of several clubs located in the lower half of the North Island. We welcome two international exchanges each year and also participate in local exchanges. Our outward exchange programme is based, where possible, on either a two or three-phase exchange each year. Our members may also join other clubs' exchanges

Our Region:
The Kapiti Coast is located 60 kms north of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. It stretches from Paekakariki in the south through the seaside village of Raumati, the commercial heart of Paraparaumu and the garden area of Waikanae to Otaki, one of New Zealand's oldest urban settlements and the pre-eminent historic place in the district, to the north. Its backdrop of the massive Tararua Ranges, the spectacular landscape and microclimate has made the Kapiti Coast a most desirable place to live.

Visitor Attractions:
Kapiti Island Nature Reserve is located 5.6kms off the coast and is one of the nation's most important sites for bird recovery. Here you will find a great variety of native birds including the nocturnal little spotted kiwi, which is now extinct on the mainland. There are two walking tracks leading to the summit of the island which are steep and difficult in places and visitors using these should be fit and wear sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing. A second track leading to the north end of the island has recently opened. This offers easier walking but still requires sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing. Facilities on the island are limited. A marine reserve spans the gap between the mainland and the island. A limited number of visitors are allowed on the island and a landing permit must be obtained from the Department of Conservation. These permits may be purchased up to three months in advance by accessing the DOC website Click(www.doc.govt.nz) The total cost to visit Kapiti Island is $NZ9.00/adult per permit plus launch transport at $NZ50.00/adult, both of which we are happy to arrange.

Other Attractions include:

Southwards Car Museum - a world class showcase of vintage transport.
The Lindale Centre - provides a unique opportunity to learn about some of the special features of NZ agriculture. There is also a range of speciality shops and a wonderful selection of NZ products and quality souvenirs available.
Nga Manu Nature Reserve - preservation of NZ native flora and fauna. NZ species recovery programme including the Tuatara (unique prehistoric reptile).
Rangiatea Church, Otaki - the warrior chief Te Rauparaha and the missionary Octavius Hadfield built the original church between 1844 and 1855. Following its destruction by fire in 1995 the community banded together and the rebuilt church was consecrated in November 2004. The Kapiti Coast boasts a world class golf course at Paraparaumu, bowling greens, magnificent gardens, great beach and bush walks. Arts and crafts are also well represented on the Coast and the annual Arts trail held each November attracts considerable interest (Click www.kapiti.org.nz for further information). Updated: July 2008