Waikanae

A beach town on New Zealand's Kāpiti Coast, Waikanae sits beside a long stretch of sand, the Waikanae River estuary, and within reach of Kapiti Island and its surrounding marine reserve. The town's name derives from a Māori phrase meaning "waters of the grey mullet." Mild year-round temperatures and less wind than nearby Wellington have made it one of the Wellington Region's favoured retirement destinations, though the river also draws fly fishers, with local lessons available for beginners.

• Population13,300
• Nearest water0.2 km
• Nearest mountain2.2 km