Raumati/Summer
Visit Rāpaki
And the Whakaraupo Harbour
Mauri tū, mauri ora — An active soul is a healthy soul
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Rāpaki is a small settlement in the Whakaraupo (Lyttelton) Harbour basin. It is home to a beach, pier, walkways and the Rāpaki marae named Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke.
Plan your visit
Pack a bag -- if it’s warm, you might need:
- Pōtae (sunhats) and sunscreen
- A towel and togs
- Things to eat and drink
- Jandals and sunglasses
How to get there
Take the number 28 bus or if you take your car, park on the main road and walk down to the beach. You will pass the marae Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke along the way.
What to do
- Explore the bay and have your kai, or find the pier and do some bombs!
- Who in your whānau can make the biggest splash? Who can make the smallest? Can you jump in together?
- When it's time to go leave take your rubbish (and everything else!) with you.
How Rāpaki got its name
According to one legend, the Ngāi Tahu chief Te Rakiwhakaputa named Rāpaki by laying his waist mat (Rāpaki) down to claim it.
The full name is Te Rāpaki o Te Rakiwhakaputa, meaning the waist mat of Te Rakiwhakaputa.