Things To Do
in Porirua
Porirua is a coastal city just north of Wellington, set around a sheltered harbour with a mix of modern urban areas and leafy suburbs. It blends Māori heritage, Pacific influences, and a growing arts scene, all against a backdrop of rolling countryside and dramatic coastlines. The city serves as a convenient base for exploring both the Kapiti Coast and the wider Wellington region, with easy access to beaches, parks, and scenic walks.
Expect friendly communities, waterfront views, and a laid-back Kiwi vibe with plenty of outdoor activity options.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey in Porirua by visiting the vibrant Pataka Art + Museum, showcasing the rich heritage and contemporary art of the region. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the waterfront, absorbing the stunning views of the harbor and surrounding landscapes. Stop by a local café for a delicious breakfast featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful nature trails of the Pukerua Bay Walkway, where you can admire breathtaking coastal views and native flora. Alternatively, visit the Porirua City Centre shops for some retail therapy, picking up unique New Zealand souvenirs. Don't forget to indulge in a delectable lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants while soaking in the ambiance.
As the sun sets, head to the nearby Titahi Bay for a relaxing evening on the beach, where you can unwind with your toes in the sand. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant, savoring fresh catch from the local waters. Wrap up your day with a peaceful stroll along the beach as the stars twinkle above.
Kickstart your day with a visit to the Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, where you'll immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife of New Zealand. Explore the expansive sanctuary, home to rare species such as the kiwi and tuatara, while learning about conservation efforts. Grab a light snack at the visitor center to recharge before continuing your adventure.
Head back towards Porirua and enjoy a picnic lunch at the scenic Aotea Lagoon, where you can appreciate the beautiful gardens and serene lake. In the afternoon, consider taking a kayak tour to explore Porirua's stunning coastline, providing an exhilarating way to view the sea life up close. Be on the lookout for dolphins and seabirds as you paddle through these pristine waters.
For dinner, visit one of the local Asian fusion restaurants, where you can experience the diverse culinary influences found in Porirua. After your meal, take a stroll around the vibrant and eclectic central business district, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Relax with a craft beer or a glass of wine at a nearby pub, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $4-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (2 people, per night) | $120-180 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly) | $100-150 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per liter) | $2.10-2.40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Wellington with a relaxed coastal vibe
- Varied outdoor activities and scenic coastline
- Friendly communities and growing arts/cultural scene
- Good value for money compared with central Wellington
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to Wellington
- Some areas can be hilly and wind-prone along the coast
- Public transport can be less frequent outside peak hours
- Weather can be changeable; pack for wind and rain
- "Kia ora" - Hello / Thank you
- "Tēnā koe" - Greetings (to one person)
- "Kei te pēhea koe?" - How are you?
- "Aroha mai" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Ngā mihi" - Thanks / Best regards
- "Haere mai" - Welcome
Places to Visit in Porirua
Visit one of these nice places.
Stunning coastal views with dramatic cliffs and golden sunsets over the Tasman Sea; excellent for wide coastal shots and silhouettes.
Open farmland with rolling green hills, grazing sheep, and expansive skies—great for wide-angle landscape photography.
Coastal headland with sea views, rock formations, and the Plimmerton coastline; ideal for sunrise and long-exposure shots.
Food in Porirua
Porirua Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A springtime Kiwi classic featuring delicate fried batter folded with fresh whitebait, commonly found at pubs and seafood eateries around Wellington and Porirua.
Must-Try!
Fresh mussels prepared in garlic butter or tomato-based sauces, a staple seafood choice at coastal restaurants.
Paua (abalone) fritters or croquettes offered at several seafood venues along the coast.
Creamy, hearty chowder featuring local fish, shellfish, and potatoes—common in waterfront cafés and bistros.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A waterfront market area with stalls offering fresh produce, snacks, and local crafts; great for tasting casual street foods and grabbing a quick bite.
Casual, quick bites along the wharf offering fish and chips, kebabs, and Asian-inspired snacks with harbour views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly greeting with a smile or hand shake is common. When visiting Māori-owned spaces or marae, follow local protocols and ask for permission before entering.
Respect rohe (territory), waterways, and natural spaces. Ask before taking photos of people or sacred sites, and be mindful of noise in residential areas at night.
Dispose of rubbish properly and keep public spaces clean.NZ is generally mindful of social etiquette and displays of courtesy are valued.
Safety
Tipping in Porirua
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in New Zealand. If you receive exceptional service, rounding up or leaving a small tip is appreciated but not expected in most dining or hospitality settings.
Cash is widely accepted, but debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are preferred in most shops, cafés, and restaurants. EFTPOS and mobile payment options are common, and many places may offer contactless payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool coastal breezes; can be windy near the coast. It's a great time for beach trips, outdoor markets, and harbor walks, but expect crowds on peak weekends.
Milder temperatures and beautiful red-gold foliage in surrounding parks; pleasant for hikes and waterfront strolls with fewer crowds.
Mild by many standards but still cool and occasionally wet; bring a light jacket and waterproof footwear for coastal trails and urban explorations.
Fresh greens and blooming gardens; comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, longer daylight hours, and new market stalls opening.
Porirua at Night
Hiking in Porirua
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trails with sea views, wildlife, and rugged coastlines suitable for a half-day hike.
A longer, scenic track with dramatic escarpment views and sweeping coastline sights; ideal for a day trip.
Airports
How to reach Porirua by plane.
Main international and domestic gateway, about 40–60 minutes by road from Porirua; frequent flights to Australia, Asia, and domestic New Zealand destinations.
Smaller regional airport on the Kapiti Coast offering domestic flights and easier access to the Kapiti region; useful for quick trips to Wellington or surrounding areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of residents are families and mid-career professionals seeking a coastal lifestyle with access to urban amenities.
Strong cultural presence and community events reflecting Māori and Pacific heritage.
Many residents commute to Wellington or nearby towns for work, contributing to a youthful, growth-focused community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple sport in the region with local clubs and school teams; strong community support and memorable matches.
Seasonal summer sport with local clubs and friendly competitions across parks and reserves.
Harbour access supports sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding for water enthusiasts.
Popular in schools and clubs, with local leagues and community games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Porirua.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Porirua cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options such as salads, veggie curries, tofu dishes, and veggie burgers. When in doubt, ask for the day’s veggie specials or a customizable dish; many places can accommodate dairy-free or gluten-free needs.