Whitebaiting

Whitebaiting is a much-loved activity on the Kāpiti Coast, and we need to ensure we respect our natural environment and manage access to whitebaiting spots. 

Whitebaiters who wish to access the Waikanae Scientific Reserve need to park close to the pedestrian access points nearby, and access their favourite spot on foot.  Rules restricting vehicle access along our beaches are there to protect important ecology, our natural environment and public safety. See Looking after our beaches for more.

DOC have introduced this change to reduce fishing pressure on the most threatened species of whitebait during their peak migration period. Find out more on their website at Summary of whitebait fishing regulations.

Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), under the Resource Management Act (RMA), has the jurisdictional control over the coastal marine area. They have restricted vehicles from driving on beaches in parts of the coastal marine area in their Proposed Natural Resources Plan, which is now operable. For more information, please contact them.

DOC has jurisdictional authority over the Waikanae Scientific Reserve. Their 1994 bylaw restricts motor vehicles accessing the reserve unless prior permission is granted by the regional Conservator (DOC). For more information, please contact them. 

We encourage you to contact these agencies should you have any questions. 

See Vehicles on the beach for maps of where vehicles can be on our beaches.