YHA Paraparaumu, Barnacles Seaside Inn

Situated right on the beach at Paraparaumu with stunning views of Kapiti Island, this charming backpackers hostel began life as a hotel in 1923 and has been lovingly restored to its former glory with lovely oak furniture in the rooms and historic photos of the Kapiti area.

YHA Paraparaumu Barnacles Seaside Inn offers a variety of accommodation, many rooms have sea views which you can request when booking. The hostel is only 200 metres from cafes and restaurants and near the Coastal Bike track and various beach walks.

This Paraparaumu backpackers is close to Kapiti Island, a nature reserve for New Zealand’s special bird life. Bookings and pick ups for Kapiti Island tours are available from the hostel. Just a 45 minute drive from Wellington, YHA Paraparaumu Barnacles Seaside Inn offers homely accommodation where you can step back into the past and enjoy fantastic hospitality as well as ambience.

The revamped YHA Paraparaumu Barnacles Seaside Inn in an attractive 1923 hotel is comfortable and overlooks the beach. – The Rough Guide to New Zealand

Special features at YHA Paraparaumu that backpackers love:

• A gorgeous renovated hotel with historical photographs of the Kapiti area around the hostel.
• Stunning sunsets of Kapiti island and beautiful sea views from the hostel and many of the rooms.
• The Kapiti Island nature reserve ferry leaves from out front. Bookings can be made for the ferry and permits can be purchased online at the hostel.
• YHA Paraparaumu is right opposite the beach and has a great playground for children. The hostel also has free kayaks you can use.

About Paraparaumu

At just less than an hour north of Wellington, Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast offers something truly unique for backpackers to New Zealand. At Kapiti Island off the coast at Paraparaumu you can take a boat trip to the bird sanctuary, where you are able to experience New Zealand native bird life at its best. In the regenerating forest on Kapiti Island flocks of native wood pigeons can be seen, endangered Takahe as well as New Zealand’s endangered parrot, the Kaka. The Kapiti Island ferry leaves from the beach in front of the YHA Paraparaumu hostel.

Or why not try a round of golf at the renowned Paraparaumu Beach Links Golf Course, the only New Zealand course in the world top 100. Other local attractions are the world famous Southwards Car Museum, Lindale Tourist Park (which has the delicious Kapiti Cheeses) and of course the wonderfully long and sandy Paraparaumu beach itself, with great cafes and where many events and festivals are held each year.

Top activities to do while backpacking in Paraparaumu

• Travel out to Kapiti Island nature reserve and see New Zealand’s special native birds up close.
• Play on New Zealand’s only world top 100 golf course – The Paraparaumu Beach Golf Links.
• Try the delicious cheese and ice-cream at Kapiti Cheeses.
• Stroll along beautiful Paraparaumu beach and relax in the village atmosphere of the town and enjoy the stunning views out to Kapiti Island.

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