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Kãpiti Island offers one of New Zealand's premier nature experiences, and also one of the best kiwi spotting opportunities. You are hosted by the whanau (family) of Kãpiti Island and this protected island is rich not only in forest and wildlife but also in genuine Mãori hospitality. Visitor numbers are restricted as wildlife has top priority. Options include day trips with guided or independent walks on the island on trails that are a mix of easy to demanding hiking. The island is surrounded by the Kãpiti Marine reserve and summertime swimming, snorkelling and sea kayaking options are available for guests.
If you’re coming from State Highway 1 take the clearly marked Paraparaumu Beach exit at the Kapiti Road interchange. Follow Kapiti Road to the roundabout at the beach and turn left onto Marine Parade. Ferry check-in & bio-security check is at the 180 Degrees Cafe on Marine Parade.
Ferry departs from Kapiti Boating Club, Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach.
CHILD POLICY Family friendly, infants (0-4 years old) are free, children (5-17 years old) travel at discounted rate.
CANCELLATION 14 days 25% | 24 hours 100% | Cancellation due to weather 100% refund.
SEASONAL 1st September until 30th June.
Kãpiti Island offers one of New Zealand’s premier nature experiences, and also one of the best kiwi spotting opportunities. You are hosted by the whanau (family) of Kãpiti Island and this protected island is rich not only in forest and wildlife but also in genuine Mãori hospitality. Visitor numbers are restricted as wildlife has top priority. Options include day trips with guided or independent walks on the island on trails that are a mix of easy to demanding hiking. The island is surrounded by the Kãpiti Marine reserve and summertime swimming, snorkelling and sea kayaking options are available for guests.
The Kãpiti Day Tour includes return ferry transport, a guided walk with an experienced and knowledgeable guide, delicious cooked lunch, tea and coffee and local permits. This is a fantastic nature and Mãori cultural experience in a very special wildlife sanctuary where you will see an unsurpassed range of endangered species. Your guide will bring the island to life with stories of Maori and early European history, as well as the long and successful conservation activity.
After a delicious lunch at Kãpiti Nature Lodge, there are options available for additional independent walking or just relax around the Lodge.
Ferry ride 15 minutes from Paraparaumu to Kãpiti Island.
Departs 9am | Duration 6:00
Kapiti Island is home to over 1,200 Little Spotted Kiwi, making it the most prolific population of Little Spotted Kiwi to be found, and one of the most reliable opportunities to see them in the wild.
Little Spotted Kiwi on Kapiti Island are not in captivity. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee their behaviour or sightings on any given night.
Spend the night and enjoy our famous hospitality and delicious meals, surrounded by stunning native bush and some of our most rare and beautiful native birds.
Optional add-on to include return transport to Wellington CBD (7am departure).
includes ferry & lunch
plus accommodation on the overnight tour
For those with time, Kapiti’s Overnight Kiwi Spotting Tour is New Zealand’s most reliable Little Spotted Kiwi viewing opportunity. The lodge has been home to the whanau since 1820 and offers cosy and warm accommodation options-cabins, bungalow or bush-edge lux tents. There is something very unique about Kiwi’s foraging outside your tent or cabin at night-with Takahe, Kaka, Saddleback and other endangered species visiting by day. Great meals and famous hospitality-manaakitanga are the hallmarks associated with Kapiti Island Nature Tours and Kapiti Nature Lodge. Accommodation from $395.
Wellington – 1 hour
Paraparaumu- 20 minutes by boat
