Kāpiti CoastSee & Do
A family walks through kapiti island with green bush and blue water surrounding them.

Kapiti Island

  • Location

    Kāpiti Boating Club, Paraparaumu, Kāpiti Coast

  • Website
    Kapiti Island

A dominant feature of the Kāpiti Coast, this nature reserve is home to many endangered species.

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important nature reserves, and a place rich in human history. A dominant feature of the Kāpiti coastline, the island is home to many endangered species.

The local Barrett are based at the north end of the island. They are descendants of people who arrived and settled in the 1820s. The family continues to live on the island as custodians and have been welcoming visitors to the island for generations.

2 poeple sit outside in the sun, on thre balcony of their tent cabin, on Kapiti Island.

Kapiti Island is a 20-minute boat ride from Paraparaumu Beach, across the waters of Rau ō Te Rangi. Visitors can spend a day exploring the island or opt to stay overnight with the option to go glamping or stay in a cabin for an authentic Kiwi lodge experience. The night stay includes an opportunity to go out and catch a glimpse of one of 1,400 little spotted kiwi who call Kapiti Island home.

On the day tours you’ll learn about how the Barrett whānau work with the Department of Conservation to keep the island free of introduced predators — while in the background you’ll hear native birds including kākā, kererū, and kokako. The summit of the island is a steep climb but it’s worth it for the incredible views out over the ocean. You’re also likely to encounter some cheeky weka on the way. Today, Kapiti Island, Waikanae Estuary, and the marine reserve in between create a very rare continuum of protected land, sea, and estuary habitats. With two reserves linked by a marine reserve, animals that move between shore, sea, and river habitats get special protection.

Explore more

Looking for more?

At start of items
The teal-coloured Ika Rere electric ferry leaves its berth on the Wellington waterfront to head out into the harbour. The Wellington skyline is behind it.

East By West Ferries

Sail Wellington’s harbour with East by West Ferries from Queens Wharf to Days Bay and Mātiu/Somes Island. Enjoy stunning views then some outdoor activities.

A kākā in a tree at Zealandia.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 greatest places in the world, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne in Wellington is the world’s first fully fenced ecosanctuary.

Two people sit in the grass with their bicycles lying nearby at Mount Victoria lookout in Wellington, New Zealand with a view of the city centre, the bay and rolling hills in the distance.

Trail and a treat: Outdoor combos in Wellington

The city’s hills, beaches, and trails offer much opportunity to experience nature. Fuel your adventure with a stop-off at one of the excellent eateries offers nearby.

A family walking through the trees of Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

Explore the forest, meet native birds, and learn about our connection to the land at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre at Mount Bruce in the Wairarapa region.

A New Zealand fur seal sitting on a rocks surrounded by blue ocean.

Seal Coast Safari

Explore Wellington's south coast on a guided tour with Seal Coast Safari. Spot New Zealand fur seals in the wild and see spectacular scenery.

A family with a young child play with piglets on the grass at Staglands.

Staglands Wildlife Reserve

Nestled in Wellington’s Hutt Valley, you’ll find Staglands Wildlife Reserve, a kid-friendly experience where you can interact with native animals.

An adult and child walk alongside a fountain at the Wellington Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā. Pink and red roses surround them.

Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā

Wellington is home to the oldest botanic garden in New Zealand. On the city edge there are 25 hectares of specialised plants, unique landscapes, and city views.

Two smiling people sit on a wooden bench petting a lemur during a Close Encounter experience at Wellington Zoo.

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo is home to 500-plus animals, including tigers, capybaras, meerkats, and snow leopards. All tucked into the hills of Newtown on the city fringe.

Wide of the cable car driving up the tracks with the sun setting over Wellington city and harbour in the background.

Wellington Cable Car

The historical Wellington Cable Car is a must-do in the city. The 5-minute, 612m journey rises 120m above sea level with panoramic views from Kelburn.

The exterior of Te Papa Tongarewa, half glass and half concrete.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture.