Kāpiti Island
Kāpiti Island lies five kilometres off the Kāpiti coastline. The island is an internationally famed nature reserve protecting some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds.
To learn more about Kāpiti Island's history and environment, please visit the Department of Conservation website. It's possible to visit this stunning island, with two options for visitors: day or overnight visits.
These are to the Department of Conservation's Nature Reserve, which occupies the majority of the island.
To protect the unique environment, which is pest and predator-free, only 50 people are allowed on Kāpiti Island each day.
Visits may be made every day except Christmas Day, and bookings are heavy during the summer months. You will need to arrange a permit from the Department of Conservation to visit the island, then book boat transport.
Permits and bookings to visit Kāpiti Island
You must apply in advance for a permit to visit Kāpiti Island's Nature Reserve. These are available from the Department of Conservation.
Phone: (04) 384 7770
Email: wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz
The Nature Lodge operates in the north of the island on the 13 hectares of land around Waiorua Bay retained by tangata whenua. With the biggest population of the nocturnal Little Spotted Kiwi in the world, an overnight stay on Kāpiti is also a unique opportunity to see this endangered species in its natural habitat.
Kapiti Island Nature Tours
Phone: (06) 362-6606
Mobile: (021) 126-7525
Fax: (06) 364-5828
Email: minnie@kapitiislandnaturetours.co.nz
Website: www.kapitiislandnaturetours.co.nz
Services: Nature and heritage tours; overnight stays at the Nature Lodge.
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The journey to the island is about 10 minutes by boat and passes through a Department of Conservation Marine Reserve where dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds can sometimes be seen.
There are two privately-operated ferry services licensed to take passengers to Kāpiti Isand. Both depart from Paraparaumu Beach next to the Paraparaumu Boating Club and bookings are essential:
Kapiti Marine Charter
Freephone: 0800 433 779
Phone: (04) 297-2585
Fax: (04) 297-2586
Email: kapitimarinecharter@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.kapitimarinecharter.co.nz
Services: Boat trips to Kāpiti Island
Kapiti Tours Ltd
Phone: 0800 KAPITI (0800 527 484)
Fax: (04) 238-4529
Email: info@kapititours.co.nz
Website: www.kapititours.co.nz
Services: Boat trips to Kāpiti Island; guided walks on the island; scenic tours, Marine Reserve tours.
The Kāpiti Island Visitor Register shows intended visits to the island. To view the Register, which contains details of proposed visits, click on the title below.
To see previous years visitor registers for Kāpiti Island, go here.
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