Raumati
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Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=35010
Printed Date: 23 August 2025 at 7:06am
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Topic: Raumati
Posted By: ginger
Subject: Raumati
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 8:20pm
Hiya 
I'm just wondering if anyone in the forums lives in this area? DH is going to apply for a job in Wellington, and if he gets it we'll relocate from Auckland (if he doesn't, we'll work towards relocating in the next couple of years). From research online, we really like Raumati, but obviously I'm just wondering what the area is like to actually live in. We'll no doubt make a trip down if things start to move along, or else put it on our list of places to visit when we make a Welly trip later in the year, for future reference. TIA!  ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Replies:
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 8:38pm
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Umm I'm not from Raumati but know the area alright, I would say it's quite a way from the city centre... Maybe a 20-30min drive in good traffic.
To live in, MIL friend lives that way and quite often it will be raining in the cbd but get out to hers and she has sun - go figure. I know she enjoys living out there though because it's quiet. Sorry nothing else to add really! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: NikkiB
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 8:39pm
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I lived in Paraparaumu for a number of years. Personally, I really like the Kapiti area (Paraparaumu and Raumati). Lovely beach and generally has a warmer climate than Wellington. If you are into shopping, then Coastlands certainly isn't the greatest, but you're not far from Porirua, Lower Hutt or Wellington, which has much more variety. Can't really comment on schools etc as its been a few year since I left college and I no longer live in the area. I think its a lovely area to bring up a family in.
The reason I moved is because I was tired of travelling an hour into Wellington each day for work. I found travelling by train a lot easier and cheaper than taking a car. Hope this is the type of info you wanted  ------------- A very lucky mummy to two gorgeous boys: RB 3/10/2008 JB 29/12/2009 |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 8:43pm
We're from Auckland, don't forget - it takes 20-30 mins to get to the blooming dairy  (not quite, but you know!)
Thanks both of you - we've worked out that it's a bit of a hike to travel ... bit of a bummer, but worth it for the lifestyle I think. DH would be the one commuting (I'd be either working from home with my current work, or SAHM for a good while) and he will be working weird shifts (2 days on, 3 days off, 3 days on, 3 days off, 2 days on, 2 days off - like that!) so the commuting would be broken up and out of peak travel times ... hopefully! We'd soon find out if it sucked anyway!! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Lil_Nic9 wrote:Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 8:44pm
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Raumati is a lovely area and great for family. I really like the Kapiti Coast but I'm put off living there because DH and I both work in town and travel time would easily cut off a couple of hours per day. It depends on where your DH is working of course. -------------  
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 8:53pm
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The airport Mrs Mojo - he's an engineer.
This feedback is really helping - thanks so much! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 8:59pm
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Haha yes Auckland, know all about driving in Akl all too well! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:03pm
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We're in a place with life where we'd need to relocate within Auckland within a few years anyway if we stayed here, and so we'd (or rather, DH - I've spent an hour each way commuting for years) be facing the commute anyway (although he won't be sitting in a great big carpark at least - he'l actually be moving somewhere if we're in Welly ).
One thing I've noticed is that decision making with a child involved is a whoooole lot different to decision making pre-kidlets! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: MrsH
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:06pm
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The only real problem I can see with Raumati is the fact that the closest train station is Paraparaumu..... other than that, I think it's quite nice. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: scribe
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:15pm
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Google maps says it's an hour from Raumati to the airport but I'd say traffic would add a lot of time on, as both the traffic going into the city and through the other side (the airport is on the south coast) can get very congested.
Your DH probably wouldn't catch the train as he'd then need to catch a bus from the train station to the airport - which would take forever and cost a lot. Sorry to be a bit of a downer on the commute - and like you say, it might not be so bad coming from Auckland ... (And ETA: sorry, I just read one of your later posts which shows you've obviously done a bit more research into the travel time, so probably know all of the above already!) My sister and her young family lived in Kapiti for a few years and enjoyed it there, it is a nice family area, close to the beach, and property prices are lower than the city. A former workmate of mine lives out there and he really loves it. He's quite the aging hippie - I understand that's the general feeling of the place, there are quite a few 'alternative lifestyle'-type people who live there. |
Posted By: pumpkino
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:19pm
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Just thought I'd add my tuppence - you need to bear in mind that the airport is at the southern most point of Wellington, a further 20 mins or so from the CBD. I would allow at least an hour to drive from there to Raumati, and longer in rush hour. You can only get the train to the train station and from there it would be a 20 minute (more in heavy traffic) bus ride. We live in Miramar, about 5 mins from the airport, and my DH works near the train station. He catches the bus and it's 30 mins if he manages to catch an express in rush hour.
So it's a serious commute for your DH, even out of rush hour. The area is nice but there are areas just as nice a bit closer - if you're wanting to be near the water there's Titahi Bay, Petone or Eastbourne/Days Bay to the North and Lyall Bay, Island Bay and Evans Bay to the South (which would have the advantage of being near the airport too). Good luck whatever you decide!! |
Posted By: pumpkino
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:22pm
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Sorry for duplication, anakk replied as I was typing!!
P :) |
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:27pm
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I thought he worked for an airline (I remember discussing how handy the travel sickness bags are when you're in the 1st tri I'm guessing he'd be working at Wgtn airport (rather than the Paraparaumu airfield) which is another 20 mins from town but since he'd mostly miss peak traffic it should only be about 60 mins from Rongotai to Raumati and vica versa. -------------
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:28pm
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Raumati to the Airport is a pretty big commute, will your DH get a company vehicle with his work?
I commuted from Lower Hutt to Porirua and it used a lot of petrol. He'd have to go thru the city every day which takes a while and driving is the only option. Train / Bus would take forever as the connections aren't the greatest. Kapiti coast is Wellingtons retirement village, lots of oldies. If you are intent on being that side of Wellington being in and around Whitby would be nicer. Personally I prefer the Hutt Valley in particular Petone is gorgeous place to live and central to everything. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:31pm
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Thanks for those other area suggestions Pumpkino - much appreciated! I'll start having a look at those too. Might just do that now actually! That's an awesome list!!
That's a really good point about the airport being out the other side! anakk - I think a few of the guys on the shift my DH would be joining are out there too ... might be a good idea for him to see what they think. I'd read about the alternative lifestyle aspect too - kinda appeals, unless it's a bit toooooo alternative ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:34pm
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BTW coming from an ex-Akl'er former Wgtn resident, the beaches are nothing compared to what Akl has.
Its usually too blimmin cold most of the year to enjoy them anyways. Going to the beach was one past time that was pretty limited when I moved south. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: _H_
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:38pm
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Im from Paraparaumu but live in the hutt now. My parents still live there so i go after a lot
From Raumati to Welly is about an hour but it all depends on traffic. Raumati beach has a not bad group of little shops (four square, butcher, pharmacy, cafes plus more) and depending on where you are coastlands will probably only be 10-15mins away You may want to look more into the area you want to live as many of the schools have zones and a couple of streets can make a big different on where your kids can go. also where they go to school also depends on where they would go to college (if you want them to go to Paraparaumu or Kapiti college) As a kid i spent a lot of time at the beach and loved it! there is always a lot happening in summer for kids to enjoy. Oh plus they have the big library, dont actually know how good it is but when i was a kid we always went to things at the old library Dont know if you drive but when i lived in Paraparaumu the bus system was good so made it easy enough to get around Hope this is what you are after ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:39pm
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Yup airport to Raumati is a huge commute, you would be looking at 2+ hours driving imo during peak traffic.
Petone is nice! But in saying that I don't want to put you off! I guess maybe you could come down and stay at a motel or something for a holiday and test driving etc or catching transport. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:53pm
YOu're joking? I didn't imagine there'd be zoning! Will add that to my list to things to investigate! Ta! I've started looking into the other areas suggested - some of them are lovely, but there's no way we could pay the mortgage on them  ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 9:53pm
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Oooh, and we have 2 dogs, so we need a bit of land for them (eg. a house on a hillside with no section is no good for us). Ah, back to my research! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: tishy
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 10:09pm
That's rules out quite a lot of houses in Wellington
I say go for it. If your DH is up for the hour commute then why not. If you don't like it then look at moving closer. We're in Island Bay and love it so much. There are plenty of reserves near us that would be doggy friendly. I commute to the Hutt 3 days a week and that takes me 45 mins including daycare drop off. |
Posted By: scribe
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 10:37pm
Too true! Though there is something about just being close to the beach ... (must be those ripping southerlies that come off the south coast and make the temp plunge ).
Personally I love south Wellington - Island Bay, Lyall Bay, and (now I'm really dreaming) Seatoun and Breaker Bay.... which are all obviously super close to the airport. But there aren't any bargains out there, especially for a family home with a reasonable section (which is why we're just about to try out the Hutt - Maungaraki - after living 8+ years around the city, or south of the city). Good luck ... as Tishy said, if you don't like it where you move to, then you can always move again ... just don't commit to one area too quickly, it takes time to discover whether you'll like living there or not. |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 10:39pm
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Um with dogs, not sure about the city council you'd be with, I think it's porirua but Wellington city council is 3 dogs and you need special permission for anymore. But I think Porirua is 2.
Um yup zoning down here!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: RicKer
Date Posted: 31 July 2010 at 10:53pm
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I love Raumati! I used to go there all the time to see my late nana. I really miss it.
Oh and my dads an engineer at auckland airport, is that where your hubbie is atm? Sorry, that wasnt much help
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Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 7:26am
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*waves* We live in Raumati South. Honestly, its WONDERFUL. We are right near the beach and its an absolutely awesome place to go during summer. I will admit, moving up from Mt Vic in the centre of the city took a bit of getting used to. The pace of life up here is slower but once you get used to it, you really appreciate it.
We were able to afford a pretty nice house because the prices are slightly lower than that of the city. For a first home, we are pretty happy with what we got. Yes, some of the schools are zoned. However, there are 3 within Raumati itself, of which 2 are not zoned. One is an alternative school (Rudolf Steiner) but Raumati South and Raumati Beach schools are very mainstream if that is what you are after. And Kapiti College in Raumati has a better reputation than Paraparaumu College although both cater for quite different types of skills (ie Drama and Arts at Kapiti vs Sports at Pram). As for the commute, well, yes its long. However, its scenic and depending on what time your DH starts will depend on how long it takes to get into town. I started early each morning and left home by 6.30. I was in the CBD by 7.10am at the absolute latest. I preferred to drive, people say it makes you tired but I enjoyed it. Plus there are plenty of people who are looking to carpool so that brings down the cost. The trains are being upgraded as we speak and I used to take the bus sometimes as well as it doesn't stop along the way so its a clear run into town. I used to leave town at 4pm and would be home by 4.40pm. There is a huge network for young families, Kapiti Kids Connect is on FB so you could like this and see whats happening in the area. Coastlands is the local mall. At the moment its fairly basic but they are currently doing it up so its hopefully going to be pretty awesome once finished. There are so many cafe's around here and they are all nice, stylish, good food (quite a lot of local stuff too), awesome coffee etc. They rate better than some places that are very expensive in town. And they cater for young kids too. Oh, and they are building a huge new aquatic centre in the next couple of years - its going to be awesome. Waterslides etc, the works. Well worth the wait! Am happy to talk more if you want - PM me if you want to know anything. Good luck in your decision!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: LouD
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 12:53pm
Sorry i had to laugh......try a good 60mins without traffic CuriousG, were you driving all the way to the cbd or to porirua ? cos i used to drive to hutt and wellington all the time and sticking to the speed limit i would never get there leaving paraparaumu in under 50mins...... |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 12:58pm
| hehehe its funny seeing the varying driving times since I've been driving from palmy to wellys alot in the last year. |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 1:13pm
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Well, come on then Stace - put your two cents in. Whaddya reckon??
Thanks so much for the continuing feedback everyone!! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: LouD
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 1:17pm
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I live in Te Horo and moved here directly from Australia. Its a very nice change from the fast pace that is Australia but i love how if i want a city fix its not that far. And Im also used to the travelling, altho i wouldnt want to do it every day. If i did have a job in the city i would prob catch the train so i could blob and read a book.
CuriousG explained the area really well, I would have to say she is spot on and this area is gorgeous. Its like a holiday away from the hustle and bustle and a great place to raise kids Good luck with your descision and move |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 1:20pm
| Takes me just over an hour from otaki to wellys. Can't remember how long it is from raumati to otaki.. I actually use the passing lanes and know my speedo is slow so I cruise at 107 which is actually 100. |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 1:29pm
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That's about how I remembered it drive-wise (am pulling on memories that are about a decade old though, so a bit of confirmation helps ).
DH will be driving, not bussing or training - he'll have 5am starts, so it'll be getting in the car and going. We will, if we make the move (if we get the job, please please, please, please!!) get a new car that's got good mileage economy though. No bl**dy way he's doing that run in our Subaru ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 2:20pm
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With an early start he'll miss the rush hour which is hideous I'd still allow a good 45-60 minutes from Raumati to the Airport though.
There is no avoiding the CBD to get out to the airport even with the new extension which slows things down a lot. For yourself public transport from Paraparamu to Porirua and the City is pretty good. The trains are regular. The shops in Porirua are pretty good and parking is free. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: tishy
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 3:47pm
The view from our deck is the South coast. It's as awesome to look at on a stormy day as on a calm day. Especially when we can watch the ferry on it's merry dance on the not so nice days 
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 8:09pm
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We must always go in really good traffic then, not from the cbd but from about Newlands/Jville it's a good 20-30 mins ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Daizy
Date Posted: 01 August 2010 at 9:11pm
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Ok, just adding my two cents worth
I love Raumati, out of all the areas in Kapiti it is probably the one I prefer the most. Although I love where I am now, Paraparaumu Beach, being so close to family and friends. I don't know too much about commuting but I would say from Paraparaumu Beach to Wellington is about 45 minutes for us (15 minutes to Otaki) As for the lifestyle, I think I am appreciating it more and more. I love being so close to the beach, the family atmosphere, there is so much on for the kids and I totally second the Kapiti Kids Connect website. There are a few things the whole area is lacking... shops, movies, pools, play areas for kids.... but its still not that far to find them. They sound like they are working on building it up. I still love the place! ------------- 
 
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Posted By: clover
Date Posted: 02 August 2010 at 8:43am
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Love the Kapiti coast but with us both working in Wellington I'd never consider it, the commute is just too far. The amount we'd spend in petrol and the time in the car just wouldn't be worth the trade off for me.
One of my staff comes in from Pram beach and it takes her over an hour to be in by 8am (and we work on the terrace so just off the motorway). ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Leish
Date Posted: 04 August 2010 at 8:02pm
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If he's starting at 5.00am then the commute would be absolutely do-able. You guys would be used to it coming from Auckland anyways.
The local council would be Kapiti Coast District Council if you are looking to find info re your dogs. It is a lovely place. I have very fond memories of time spent at Raumati beach as a child. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MummyFreckle
Date Posted: 04 August 2010 at 8:57pm
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I love love Island Bay, if we ever moved to Wellywood then thats where I would want to live!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 05 August 2010 at 10:38am
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Is Raumati the place with the pro-life sign???
I think if I was going to live anywhere in Kapiti I'd pick Paekakariki. Also "interesting" people living there but more awesome "interesting"
Fancy nudist beach being close by?? I personally don't mind it at all but might be something worth considering if you are looking at Kapiti. Not entirely sure if it went through but I know they were looking at designating parts of Kapiti Coast as a nudist beach. If he's commuting at 5am then it'd be sweeeeet. I guess I'd just worry about you being all the way out there. I don't doubt your ability to find rad people whereever you go, but I think perhaps being closer to town would be better socially. Petone is looooovely. But $$$$. |