Waikanae

Waikanae (pronounced Why-Can-I) is a small town on New Zealand's Kapiti Coast. The name is a Maori word meaning "The waters of the yellow eyed mullet".

The town is about 60 kilometres north of Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, and is between the towns of Paraparaumu, eight kilometres to the southwest, and Otaki, 15 kilometres to the northeast. It and its small neighbouring settlement of Waikanae Beach serve as quiet places for young families and older people.

The town and surrounding area is most noted for its beautiful beach and river mouth, which is opposite the long form of Kapiti Island, which lies four kilometres offshore in the Tasman Sea. The waters between Waikanae Beach and Kapiti Island are a marine reserve, and whales are sometimes spotted on their migration routes through the narrow corridor. The beach itself is composed of black volcanic sand, but is still great for water sports and long walks.

The area has much historic and mythic meaning for the Maori people of New Zealand.

Another settlement called Waikanae Beach exists near Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

Waikanae

See also