Raumati

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Raumati is the name of two neighbouring places on the Kapiti Coast of New Zealand's North Island. They are located 50-60 km north-east of Wellington, and immediately to the south-west of the larger town of Paraparaumu. The Maungakotukutuku area is located immediately behind Raumati.

Raumati Beach is the northern of the two, both of which are popular seaside settlements on the coast of Cook Strait, within sight of the Tasman Sea. It has a population of 4,100. The town's main landmark is Kapiti College. The Wharemauku Stream meets the sea in Raumati Beach on the northern side of Raumati Marine Gardens. This park is a popular recreation location: it features a ridable miniature railway and indoor, heated swimming pools that serve as the primary public pools for the surrounding area. The local soccer club, Kapiti Coast United, plays at Weka Park in Raumati Beach.

Two kilometres further south is Raumati South, which has a population of 3,200. To the south of this town, between it and the town of Paekakariki, is the Queen Elizabeth Park, a 12 km² regional park used during the filming of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, where it represented Pelennor Fields. Raumati South is known for its alternative lifestyle, and is very arty. The main primary education provider is Raumati South Primary School. There is also a Steiner school called 'Te Ra' located on Poplar Avenue. Raumati South is also the home of the Kapiti Bears- Kapiti Coast Rugby League Club Inc. The Club was founded in the 1970s and was the home of Kiwi and Melbourne Storm player Stephen Kearney. The Club operates out of Matthews Park, Menin Road, and is affiliated to the Wellington Rugby League Assn.