SagaFare is all about books showcasing food and foodies in regional New Zealand.

When we first set out to capture Kāpiti through its food in 2019, we thought of it as a love letter to our region – its makers, its flavours, and its spirit. What happened next surprised and delighted us: the book won a photographic award, and it quickly became a favourite in local bookshops and gift stores, treasured not just by locals but also by visitors wanting to take a piece of Kāpiti home with them.

That response was humbling, and it showed us something important: food is never just about what’s on the plate. It’s about people, place, and community. The success of the first edition told us that others felt the same.

In the years since, our world – and our food culture – has changed. The global pandemic reminded us of the importance of supporting local producers and gathering around the table. Here in Kāpiti, our growers, café owners, and artisans showed remarkable resilience and creativity. They kept us nourished, connected, and inspired. The food scene has only grown stronger: more artisan producers, more craft brewers, more cafés blending global ideas with local flair, and a deepening commitment to sustainability and seasonal produce.

This second edition builds on the first, with fresh stories, new faces, and recipes that reflect the evolving character of Kāpiti’s food culture. While no book could ever capture everything, these pages paint a picture of the region’s cafés, eateries, markets, and meeting places – colourful, familiar, and full of heart.

For those new to the area, the Kāpiti Coast stretches along a stunning chain of seaside towns: Ōtaki, Te Horo, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Raumati, and Paekākāriki – about 55 kilometres north of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. The coastline is known for its relaxed beachfronts, quirky galleries, abundant cafés and restaurants, and magnificent reserves and walkways.

Kāpiti’s history is just as rich. This is the land of Māori chief Te Rauparaha, who established a base on Kāpiti Island during the early 1800s Musket Wars. European settlement followed, fuelled by whaling, trade, and the growth of the railway. During the Second World War, American troops were stationed here before deploying to the Pacific. Later, Paraparaumu Airport briefly became New Zealand’s busiest, shaping the region’s growth before Wellington International took over in 1959.

Today, Kāpiti is still proudly local but increasingly connected to the wider world. Market gardens thrive along the highway, providing fresh produce to local kitchens. Small-town charm blends with creative, city-savvy businesses. Our food scene has become a hub of growers, artisans, brewers, and bold entrepreneurs, each contributing to the unique flavour of the coast.

This book is our way of saying thank you – to those who share their love of food, and to all who make Kāpiti such a vibrant place to live and eat. It’s a celebration of people, place, and palate.

We’re also proud to be working with Kaibosh Kāpiti, whose tireless work rescues good food and redistributes it to people in need across our region. Giving back feels right for a book that’s all about sharing and community – so for every copy sold, we’ll be donating $1 to Kaibosh Kāpiti to help support their incredible mahi in reducing food waste and feeding local whānau.

Join me – brainchild behind the book photographer Joanna Piatek – on this journey through the kitchens, cafés, markets, and tables of the Kāpiti Coast.