Kapiti Island Nature Tours

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Kapiti Island Nature Tours

Kapiti Island is an internationally renowned sanctuary for New Zealand native birds, forest, wildlife
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Options for making a booking are:
Phone us on 0800KAPITI (0800 527 484)
Text or phone 027 726 7525
Email: [email protected]
Book online: www.kapitiisland.com

11/09/2026

Looking for something special to do these school holidays? 🌿

Swap the usual day out for an adventure to Kapiti Island. Explore native forest, spot rare manu, learn about the island’s incredible history and, if you stay overnight, discover Kapiti after dark too.

It’s the kind of experience the whole whānau will remember long after the holidays are over.

Book now: https://www.kapitiisland.com/day-trips/

04/09/2026

How would you spend your time on Kapiti Island? 🌿

Whether you’re after a solo day trip searching for native birds or an epic overnight experience with your whole whānau, there are plenty of ways to experience the magic of Kapiti Island.

Which one are you choosing? 👇

09/07/2026

Every visit to Kapiti Island is about more than the landscape - it’s the people, the stories, and the shared moments that make it special. 🌿

“We loved our weekend with Kapiti Island Tours! From the moment we arrived, we were wrapped in warmth, hospitality, and humour from the boat crew. A huge shoutout to Manaaki, our guide, whose depth of knowledge about the island’s history, conservation efforts, and incredible birdlife added layers of meaning to every step we took. We learned so much while being completely captivated by his storytelling.

“And the birdlife? Absolutely magical. From cheeky kākā to the elusive kōkako, playful tīeke (saddlebacks) to curious takahē, the island was alive with song and fluttering wings. But the ultimate highlight – and something we’ll never forget – was the night walk where we saw a wild kiwi! What a privilege to witness this treasure in its natural habitat.

“We loved the experience of connection: to nature, to heritage, and to a community who deeply care about protecting this special place. The food was next-level delicious – fresh, hearty, and clearly made with love. Every meal felt like a celebration of local flavour and community. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a meaningful, awe-inspiring escape.”

Thank you Justine, your words capture the very heart of Kapiti Island: connection, care, and the magic of the wild. 💚

30/06/2026

What are the top 5 manu to spot on Kapiti Island?

Number 5: This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the kiwi pukupuku 🌙

A very special manu, and Aotearoa’s smallest kiwi species, the little spotted kiwi is right at home on Kapiti Island.

As nocturnal birds, they’re most active after dark, making any sighting feel incredibly special. While we do take our overnight manuhiri on kiwi-spotting walks, we can’t guarantee a sighting of these taonga. Worth a try, though, right?

👀 Spotting tips:
The best chance of hearing or spotting kiwi is during overnight stays. Walk slowly, keep torches low, and listen carefully for rustling in the undergrowth.

📸 Ka Tupu

Visit Kāpiti

26/06/2026

What are the top native birds to spot on Kapiti Island?

In number 3 of our series, we have the kererū 🌿

Big and beautiful – and slightly clumsy in flight – the kererū is one of Aotearoa’s most iconic native manu.

Keep an eye out for their iridescent green and purple feathers shining through the trees, especially in the softer morning light.

👀 Spotting tips:
Kererū are often found feeding quietly in the canopy or perched in fruiting trees along the tracks. If you hear heavy wingbeats overhead, there’s a good chance a kererū is nearby.

Visit Kāpiti

04/06/2026

Which rare birds live on Kapiti Island?

In number 2 of our month-long series, we’re shining the spotlight on the takahē 💙

Once thought extinct, takahē are now one of Aotearoa’s great conservation success stories, and Kapiti Island is one of the special places where manuhiri may have the chance to see them.

With their vivid blue and green feathers and bright red beaks, these manu are hard to forget.

👀 Spotting tips:
Takahē are usually spotted in more open grassy areas rather, or on the edge of the forest. Move slowly, keep your eyes low, and you may just spot one browsing calmly on the vegetation.

📸 Ka Tupu

Visit Kāpiti

28/05/2026

Which birds can you see on Kapiti Island?

The rare manu of our forest and coastline help make a visit to Kapiti Island unforgettable.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing five of our favourite birds to look and listen for while exploring here.

Number 1: First up is the Kākā 🦜

An iconic sound on Kapiti Island is the loud, playful call of the kākā echoing through the forest canopy.

These large native parrots are known for their personalities just as much as their striking olive-brown feathers and flashes of orange under their wings.

👀 Spotting tips:
Listen first. Kākā are often heard before they’re seen, especially around the forest tracks and near the visitor areas where they sometimes fly surprisingly close overhead. You’ll often spot them in the morning and late afternoon when they’re most active.

📸 Ka Tupu

Visit Kāpiti

19/05/2026

“We found a nautilus shell!”

Thank you to the manuhiri who recently captured this stunning photo, and then carefully brought the shell back to the lodge to add to the taonga cabinet.

Made by the female paper nautilus octopus/pūpū tarakihi, the shell is actually an egg case. This delicate vessel, fragile as a cicada shell, once protected young life, and then survived getting washed up on the rocks. Incredible.

12/05/2026

From teenage explorers to seasoned travellers, Kapiti Island leaves everyone a little changed - grounded, inspired, and full of wonder. 🪶

Don’t just take our word for it, here is what Eve had to say about her time with us:

“Just returned from an amazing overnight trip with Kapiti Nature Tours. We took our two teenage boys, and they absolutely loved it as well. Highlights included the speedy boat ride over, takahē hanging out near the lodges, cheeky (but not too cheeky) kākā, noisy little blue penguins, and spotting a kiwi on the night walk. The views were incredible, as was the food and hospitality.

“The meals were really sensational, and the relaxed but informative guides created a very memorable experience. I’d totally recommend every New Zealander visit this magical place.”

Thank you Eve, we’re thrilled your family discovered the magic of Kapiti Island together. 🌿

06/05/2026

Can’t decide what to get Mum, or that special person in your life?

Our vouchers make Mother’s Day gifting easy and memorable. She gets to choose her unforgettable Kapiti Island experience, and you get to say, 'Thanks for everything you do.'

Order now: https://www.kapitiisland.com/gift-cards-vouchers/

Address

29 Marine Parade
Paraparaumu Beach

Website

http://www.kapitiisland.com/

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