If you’re a seeker of thrills, you’ll likely have a lot of fun at aptly named Adrenalin Forest in Porirua.

Backyard Café in Porirua knows that seed shopping isn’t complete without some coffee and scones on the side.

About 500 hectares make up the rolling hills of the Forest Park and a range of walking tracks take you through fields and along stream beds.

Café Kaizen is the kind of well-oiled machine that you can tell has been a locals favourite hangout for a long time.

Escarpment Walk is a beautiful coastal trail that boasts stunning views of the Kapiti Coast nearly all the way through.

There’s something special about eating at a place that serves up as much kindness as it does kai, and Filo certainly champions both.

Fryday Donuts food truck is there for your donut hit or your superfood smoothie.

More often than not, keeping it simple has the most impact. In introducing a caffeine culture to Pukerua Bay, this is exactly what Greedy and Co.

A pop-up that fixes bikes as well as your caffeine cravings, a cafe and a neighbouring homewares shop.

Light House Pauatahanui is the only independent movie spot for some miles around.

Less about enforcing rules and more about creating a chill place to enjoy good coffee and food, Local Authority is a pocket-sized coffee spot that packs a punch.

An institution and a household name in Wellington, not many people know that Moore Wilson’s is also a stalwart of Porirua’s grocery scene.

A small, modest spot in the heart of the Whitby shopping precinct, Nish Cafe may look unassuming but it packs a whole lot of heart.

Pātaka Art + Museum is a true gem in the crown that is the valuable resource of Porirua art and history.

Originally developed as a sanctuary for birds and other creatures populating the area, the Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve doubles as a quiet retreat for humans as well.

Every happy neighbourhood needs a good fish and chip spot to hangout at, so lucky for Plimmerton locals that exists in the form of Plimmerton Fish Supply.

Plimmerton Kombucha is delivering super delicious kombucha and teaching others the art.

Looking for a beachside walk that’s not like the others? Hidden gem Pukerua Bay is exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re feeling like working up a sweat, and gyms have never been your thing, then set your sights on a big old stroll up Rangituhi.

This salon has been on the receiving end of many local and national awards, and is something of a community hub.

If you’ve called Samoa home at some point in your life then this place is undoubtedly going to stir up all kinds of nostalgia.

Te Rauparaha Arena is the space to come when you feel like moving your body.

The Big Salami is where locals come to get super tasty pizza, coffee on the go and sweet slices like you remember from your childhood days.

Once a travelling food truck, The Little Goat is now set firmly in its little spot, serving delicious fare based on Mediterranean recipes.

Meredith and James make an effort to keep things feeling good at The Settlement, and the fortnightly scone gathering for all residents means networking happens naturally here.

Those clued up on Polish cuisine will feel right at home at Topor Bistro with a menu featuring the classics: dig into all the pierogi, bigos, and golabki.

Aside from serving excellent food, Tuk Tuk Thai has one clear goal: to make customers feel like they’re in Thailand without even leaving Porirua.

Take a breather from the city and recenter yourself in a picturesque spot that has million dollar views every way you look.