Wellington Regional Trails
A boat landing on one of the rocky beaches of Kapiti Island.

A short access route from the beach landing to the shelter, connecting to the two lower loop tracks at the north end of Kapiti island.

Walking time
5 min
Length
193m
Uses
Walking/Running
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Easiest: Easy access short walk
Profile

9m highest point

Dogs
No
A tour group walks along the Beach Landing to Shelter track on Kapiti Island amongst flax, with the island in the background

About the trail 

Beach Landing to Shelter starts at the beach end on Kapiti Island, and finishes at the junction just before the north end visitor shelter. After arriving on shore at the northern end landing point, you will have a 30-minute introductory talk explaining the history and ecology of the island.

If you just want to chill out here, the beach is a lovely spot for a picnic, swim or snorkel in Waiorua Bay.

The north end is a major breeding site for seabirds. You may spot threatened species including the black shag, the caspian tern, the pied shag and the variable oystercatcher. The predator free nesting habitat is also home to little blue penguins, red-billed gulls, white-fronted terns, and the reef heron.

Getting there

  • You can only visit Kapiti Island through Kapiti Island Nature Tours. Boat trips and tours leave from Kāpiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach. This is a popular destination so book in advance.
  • It's a 45 minute drive or train journey from Wellington to Paraparaumu. There are regular train services to Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Line. Check Metlink for timetables.

Know before you go 

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
  • A shelter, toilets and picnic facilities are available.
  • Ensure that your belongings are placed out of reach of weka and kaka - they are very inquisitive and are experts at getting into bags.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food, and water.
  • Be ready to leave the island at the departure time announced by your boat skipper.
  • Everything on the island is protected, and nothing may be removed. This includes plant material, insects, lizards, birds, feathers and shells.
  • Do not feed birds and other wildlife.
  • Remove all your rubbish from the island. Carry out what you carry in.
  • Keep to the marked tracks.
  • Biosecurity rules require food to be carried in sealed containers, rubbish taken out with you and all your gear checked prior to departure.
The Beach Landing to Sheltertrack on Kapiti Island. The boat from Kāpiti Coast arrives onto the rocky shore.

Boat trips and tours leave from Kāpiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach. 

Looking for more?

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A boardwalk through flax on the Rangatira Loop Walk on Kapiti Island.

Rangatira Loop Walk

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsRangatira Loop Walk is a pleasant and easy stroll on a well-formed trail amongst regenerating forest and coastal shrubland with native birdlife.

A hiker climbs a set of stairs surrounded by a dark lush forest.

Trig Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsTrig track is a challenging and steep climb to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kāpiti Island. Find an abundance of native birds.

Two people walk amongst native trees down the Wilkinson Track on Kapiti Island. The view shows Kāpiti Coast.

Wilkinson Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsWilkinson Track is a well-formed track to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kapiti Island with stunning views of the coast, South Island, and the Tasman Sea.

Three people walk along a nature trail on Kapiti Island.

Boulder Bank Loop Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsBoulder Bank Loop Track is a short, scenic coastal stroll around the beautiful, freshwater Ōkupe Lagoon, looking toward the Kāpiti Coast.

A family on the Okupe Valley Loop Track on Kapiti Island. They are standing at a viewpoint where they can see the Kāpiti Coast.

Okupe Valley Loop Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsBeginning in the Okupe Valley, journey up the ridgeback to cliff tops overlooking the Cook Strait, south island, and Kāpiti Coast.

A child and adult in the bush looking into the trees and pointing.

Kohekohe Walk

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveKohekohe Walk in Hemi Matenga Memorial Park in Waikanae is an easy short walk through one of the largest remaining kohekohe forests in New Zealand.

A drone shot of three people walking on the Waikanae Estuary Track.

Waikanae Link Track

The Waikanae Link track is an easy walk through the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve. It is home to over 60 species of native birds and plant life.

The Ōtaki River Trail in the Kāpiti Coast.

Chrystalls Bend Walkway

Chrystalls Bend Walkway is a gentle stroll through native planting alongside the Ōtaki River, with breathtaking scenery of the Tararua mountains.

A wooden stairway path in the forest in Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve.

Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve

A short, easy walk through sheltered nikau palms and kohekohe trees on the Kāpiti Coast, with views of Waikanae and Kapiti island.

Two people on a wooden bridge above a stream.

Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop)

Queen Elizabeth ParkTe Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop) is an easy walk in Queen Elizabeth Park through a remnant forest, wetlands, and sand dunes. It’s near the US Marines Memorial.