Kapiti Island Nature Reserve: Places to go in Wellington and Kapiti

Introduction

Kapiti Island is a tranquil island bird sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s most accessible nature reserves. It's a unique visitor experience in a predator-free paradise. Access is by approved tour operators only.

Get up close and personal with rare birds such as kākā, kōkako, takahē and hihi. Wander tracks fringed with dense forest or climb the 521 m peak for panoramic views.

Image gallery

Brochures

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve brochure and map (PDF, 7,154K)
Kapiti Island visitor guidelines (PDF, 1,138K)

Getting there

All visitors must travel to Kapiti Island via an approved commercial tour operator. See the above 'commercial operators' tab for more information. The island is a popular destination all year round so bookings for the popular summer season need to be made in advance.

No one can land on the island without a permit, obtained through an approved commercial tour operator.

Boat departure and parking

Boats depart from the Kapiti Boating Club at 1 Manly Road, Paraparaumu Beach. This is about a one hour drive north of Wellington.

To get there from the Paraparaumu traffic lights, turn into Kapiti Road and continue to the beach. The Boating Club is at the end of Kapiti Road.

Visitors to Kapiti Island can park at the Kapiti Boating Club or in the carpark across the stream from the club.

Trips to the island are weather dependent. Contact the tourism provider on the morning of your trip for a weather check and to confirm the departure time.

Know before you go

What to bring

Your own lunch and drinking water. All water on the island is untreated.
Sturdy footwear.
Warm clothing and a waterproof jacket as weather can change quickly.

On the island

A shelter and toilets are available on the Island.
After landing, go to the public shelter to listen to the introductory talk. This will explain conditions of entry and safety on the island, as well as information about flora, fauna, and human history.
Keep to marked tracks.
Ensure that your belongings are placed out of reach of weka and kaka. They are very inquisitive and expert at getting into bags.
Be ready to leave the island at the departure time announced by your boat skipper.
Overnight stays are not permitted within the nature reserve on the island. Some of the island is in private ownership. On this land Kapiti Island Nature Tours offers a homestay option for visitors.
All fires, including barbecues and cooking stoves, are not allowed.
Smoking is strictly prohibited at all times.
Everything on the island is protected, and nothing may be removed - including 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.
Do not take pets to Kapiti Island.

School groups

School groups on educational visits are eligible for discounts. Ask your tourism provider for more information.

Bag inspections

Bags will be inspected and unpacked before boarding the boat.

Speed up this process by checking and cleaning your gear before you arrive at the boat. Ensure that your clothing, footwear and luggage is free of pests and plant material including seeds and foliage.

Once checked, keep your bags tightly closed and keep food supplies in sealed containers.

All drone use must be authorised by DOC

You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.

Visit our Drone use on conservation land page for more information.

Nature and conservation

Kapiti Island is host to one of the largest accessible island bird sanctuaries in New Zealand, set in one of the nation’s most valuable nature reserves. Read about nature on Kapiti Island.

History and culture

Kapiti Island has rich Māori and colonial heritage. It also has the oldest building associated with nature conservation in New Zealand. Read about Kapiti Island's history.

Check you are pest-free

Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.

See island biosecurity requirements.

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve