- Waikanae
Waikanae (pronounced Why-kah-nye) is a small town on New Zealand's
Kapiti Coast . The name is a Māori word meaning "The waters of the yellow eyed mullet". Another settlement called Waikanae Beach exists near Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island ofNew Zealand .The town is about 60 kilometres north of
Wellington , New Zealand'scapital city , and is between the towns ofParaparaumu , eight kilometres to the southwest, and Otaki, 15 kilometres to the northeast.Geography
Waikanae and its neighbouring settlement of Waikanae Beach serve as quiet places for families and older people. Many new cafes have opened up in Waikanae and Waikanae Beach to service both the locals and visitors to the beautiful Kapiti Coast. Just north of Waikanae is the small settlement of
Peka Peka .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 theTasman 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 sand, but is still great for water sports and long walks. Inland, behind Waikanae, are theTararua Ranges and theAkatarawa Valley , home to a popular conservation park, Staglands Wildlife Reserve. A road through the valley provides a link with theHutt Valley viaReikorangi andCloustonville .History
The area has much historic and mythic meaning for the
Māori people ofNew Zealand .Transport
The town is located on State Highway 1 and the
North Island Main Trunk Railway . The only direct commutertrain to Wellington is the Capital Connection fromPalmerston North which leaves for Wellington in the morning and returns in the evening on route toPalmerston North . However, there is a frequent bus service toParaparaumu which connects with the regular train service toWellington . On8 May 2007 , the Greater Wellington regional council approved an extension of the electrified Paraparaumu commuter service to Waikanae. The goal is to complete the extension by 2010, when newelectric multiple unit s will enter service. [Adam Ray, [http://www.stuff.co.nz/4052544a6479.html "Rail Upgrade Gets Green Light"] , "The Dominion Post", 9 May 2007.]ee also
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Waikanae River
*Waianae HawaiiReferences
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