Photographer: Nick Bridge
Reflecting the wishes of the Kapiti community, an outcome of the Long Term Council Community Plan is that there are healthy, natural systems that people can enjoy.
Kapiti has such a wide range of natural systems and open spaces. There are coastal areas, wetlands, bush walks, recreation areas, sports fields, walkways, cycleways and bridleways.
The District has a unique biodiversity and diverse range of natural areas including the Tararua ranges, beaches and coastal areas, tussock grasslands, regional parks, Kapiti Island, waterways and wetlands.
Much of the District falls within the Tararua Forest Park, which offers great tramping and hunting. The Department of Conservation has more information about public recreation in the Park, and can be contacted at:
Kapiti Area Office
10 Parata St
Waikanae
Phone: (04) 296-1112
For further information about each, click on a title below:
Coastal Management
Kapiti Island
Kapiti Parks and Reserves
Queen Elizabeth Park
Tararua Forest Park
Kapiti's Walkways
Kapiti's walkways pass though many different landscapes: wetlands, pine forests, coastal dunes and pockets of native and regenerating bush.
One focus of the Council's development work which is identified in the Community Plan is to enable the District to become nationally famous for its cycleway, walkway and bridleway systems.
Click here for more information about walkways and alternative transport in Kapiti.
Restoring the Environment
Kapit's natural areas have been considerably modified over time. There is a growing awareness of the need to maintain Kapiti’s biodiversity, and the District has active programmes of protection and restoration to address this.
There is also a range of protection measures available such as conservation covenants and esplanade strips.
Click here for more information about restoring the environment of the District.
Heritage Register
The Council seeks to protect areas of ecological and cultural heritage within the District.
Click here to take you to the Heritage Register.