PARAPARAUMU GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
High Tea, Rare Birds and WWII Stories: A Calm Day Along the Kāpiti Coast
A 6 hour 15 minute, all-inclusive Thursday guided day tour from Paraparaumu that pairs a two-hour Waikanae Estuary bird walk with High Tea aboard a restored 1952 Blue Train dining carriage and a guided WWII Marines Camp history visit.
High Tea, Rare Birds and WWII Stories: A Calm Day Along the Kāpiti Coast.
Spend an unhurried Thursday on the Kāpiti Coast with local specialists: a two-hour guided bird walk at Waikanae Estuary, an elegant High Tea served aboard a restored 1952 Blue Train carriage, and a focused WWII Marines Camp history tour, all delivered as a small-group, all-inclusive experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Guided birding at Waikanae Estuary
A two-hour guided bird walk at Waikanae Estuary led by Mik Peryer—an expert with decades of local experience—anchors the morning and offers close, informed viewing of local shore and estuary species.
High Tea aboard a restored 1952 Blue Train carriage
Midday brings an elegant High Tea served in a beautifully restored 1952 English railway dining carriage, complete with French bubbles and a short presentation by the bird guide.
WWII Marines Camp guided history tour
In the afternoon guests visit the WWII Marines Camp for a guided history tour led by Larry Kein, rounding the day with local wartime context and stories.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
You are collected at Paraparaumu Station and taken to the Waikanae Estuary for a concentrated two-hour bird walk with Mik Peryer, followed by High Tea aboard the restored Blue Train with a brief presentation; the afternoon continues with a guided tour of the WWII Marines Camp before a return to Paraparaumu Station—an intentionally paced, expert-led itinerary delivered in a small-group format.
THE BIRDLIFE
Guided birding at Waikanae Estuary
A two-hour guided bird walk at Waikanae Estuary led by Mik Peryer—an expert with decades of local experience—anchors the morning and offers close, informed viewing of local shore and estuary species.
THE DINING
High Tea aboard a restored 1952 Blue Train carriage
Midday brings an elegant High Tea served in a beautifully restored 1952 English railway dining carriage, complete with French bubbles and a short presentation by the bird guide.
THE HISTORY
WWII Marines Camp guided history tour
In the afternoon guests visit the WWII Marines Camp for a guided history tour led by Larry Kein, rounding the day with local wartime context and stories.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this day trip.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total duration is 6 hours 15 minutes; pick-up is at Paraparaumu Railway Station at 9:30 AM.
The tour is all-inclusive: transport, expert commentary, food, and a copy of Mik Peryer’s bird book are provided.
High Tea is served aboard the restored 1952 Blue Train dining carriage and includes French bubbles; a short presentation follows the meal.
The itinerary returns participants to Paraparaumu Railway Station at approximately 3:45 PM.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 6 hours 15 minutes.
Where and when is pick-up?
Pick-up is at Paraparaumu Railway Station at 9:30 AM.
What is included in the price?
Transport, expert commentary, food (High Tea), and a copy of Mik Peryer’s bird book are included.
Who leads the birding portion of the tour?
The two-hour guided bird walk at Waikanae Estuary is led by Mik Peryer.
Is High Tea part of the itinerary?
Yes—High Tea is served aboard the restored 1952 Blue Train dining carriage, followed by a short presentation.
When is the WWII Marines Camp visit scheduled?
The WWII Marines Camp guided history tour takes place in the afternoon after High Tea, with the full day returning to Paraparaumu Station by about 3:45 PM.