Paraparaumu
As the main town on the Kapiti Coast, Paraparaumu has plenty of everything for travellers. The shopping centre has more than 50 stores, as well as banks, supermarkets and cinemas. North of the town is a farm park where you’ll find farm shows and gourmet food producers (cheese, olives, honey, ice cream and other treats) while Paraparaumu Beach is the launching spot for trips to Kapiti Island, a nature reserve hosting some of New Zealand's most endangered birds. Experience scenic flights and glider rides and if you love old vehicles, the local car museum has one of the largest collections in Australasia.
Kapiti Island Day Tour
Your day trip to Kapiti Island begins at Paraparaumu where you'll catch the short ferry ride over to Waiorua Bay at the northern end of Kapiti Island. On arrival you'll be welcomed to the island and your experienced nature guide will introduce you to the natural and human history of the island. You'll discover for yourself the remarkable bird life that exists on this predator free island when you're guided on a 1 hour nature walk. A delicious cooked lunch is also provided at the lodge on the island.
Kapiti Island Eco Experience
Experience how New Zealand must have been over 100 years ago. En route to Kapiti Island, pass through the Kapiti Marine Reserve and watch for passing whales and dolphins. Lookout for the sea birds that frequent the coastal waters - gulls, gannets, penguins, terns, shags, shearwaters and albatross.
In the visitor shelter your guide will talk about the birds you are likely to see and share the status of the endangered species and new arrivals. Your guide will explain the walking options; whether you are walking to the summit (521 metres) or are meandering on the lowland tracks and what you will likely see. You can walk Kapiti Island and watch the birds at your own pace or just relax for a wonderful day.
Kapiti island is home to some of New Zealand's favourite birds such as the cheeky weka - the rascal of the bush, look out they would love to steal your lunch, that's if Mr Kaka our beautiful parrot has not already pinched it. You will also find Hihi, Korimako, Kakariki, Kereru the pigeon, Piwakawaka, Kokako, Takahae Tieke, plus many more.
Kapiti Island Eco Experience core values are that of a sustainable eco friendly business. The aim to promote sustainability, the environment and showcase the best that Kapiti Island and the Kapiti Island Marine Sanctuary has to offer.
Kapiti Island Nature Tours - Kapiti Classic Guided Day Tour ex-Wellington (KT02A)
You will be picked up in a shuttle from your Wellington accommodation or from the Central Train Station. Enjoy a light breakfast and coffee at the beach before taking the ferry to Kapiti Island. Your guide will walk you through the island’s rich human and ecological history, point out rare birds and help you get the most out of your day. On arrival you'll be welcomed to the island and your experienced nature guide will introduce you to the natural and human history of the island. You'll discover for yourself the remarkable bird life that exists on this predator free island when you're guided on a 1 hour nature walk. A delicious cooked lunch is also provided at the lodge on the island.
Kapiti Island Nature Tours - Overnight Kiwi Spotting Tour
Seeing Kiwi in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Kapiti Island is home to over 1,200 Little Spotted Kiwi, making it the most prolific population of Little Spotted Kiwi to be found, and one of the most reliable opportunities to see them in the wild.
Spend the night and enjoy the hospitality and delicious meals, surrounded by stunning native bush and some of New Zealands most rare and beautiful native birds.
Please understand that Little Spotted Kiwi on Kapiti Island are not in captivity. And their behaviour or sightings on any given night can not be guaranteed.
Check out our travel blogs here
Get inspired with stories and advice on visiting New Zealand.
Our team of New Zealand specialists can help you create the perfect touring itinerary. Whether you want to explore the South Island on a self drive holiday or the North Island on an escorted coach tour package we can design or recommend the best options. We have a huge range of accommodation ideas to suit everyone and our first hand experience of destinations and activities means that we can give the best, most up to date honest advice.
Discover New Zealand is part of the New Zealand Fine Touring Group of companies. It specialises in self drive, seat in coach and guided coach touring holidays across New Zealand's North & South Islands. We have hundreds of tour ideas listed to inspire you or give you an indication of what is possible to achieve on your New Zealand adventure. Whether it is a luxury fully guided coach tour or a self driven off the beaten track adventure, we have something suitable for everyone. Our wide range of tour lengths and tour prices give you options and are tailor-made so we can build the itinerary to suit your interests and needs.
Our team of consultants are all 100% Pure New Zealand Certified specialists and are passionate about designing your New Zealand holiday. Our consultation service is free and our quotes are provided with no obligation. Based in the heart of Wanaka you can be assured you will get the best local advice when planning your dream holiday to New Zealand. Contact one of our experienced team today.
Discover New Zealand is also Qualmark Gold Certified. This is Tourism New Zealand's official measure of how our business impacts the environment and our team are proud to have achieved the highest level of quality.