Kapiti Island Nature Tours

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/

23/04/2026

Welcome to autumn on the motu 🍂

While our evergreen forests keep their vibrant leaves year-round, the season can instead be observed in the rich tones of our feathered residents.

Which autumnal-coloured manu is your favourite?

🪶 Korimako
🌿 Kererū
🍁 Kākā
💫 Ruru

Let us know below 👇

14/04/2026

🚤🌿 Looking for something to do with the kids?

There’s still time to swap screens for the real world with a Kapiti Island school holidays adventure.

Fresh air, rare wildlife, and an experience they’ll never forget.

School holidays, sorted ✔️

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

@‌visitkapiti

10/04/2026

Get your whānau to step away from screens and out into the real world with a Kapiti Island school holidays adventure.

Including boat rides, gorgeous treks, and the chance to spot rare manu in their natural habitat, this is an experience the whole family will never forget.

Choose your day your way:
🌿 Discover Rangatira with an easy, affordable day trip exploring the forest and learning about the island
✨ Venture to Waiorua with its picturesque lookouts and coastline walk

Make this a school holidays to remember. Book now: https://www.kapitiisland.com/day-trips/

Boats depart daily. Enjoy a full day or half day on Kapiti Island. All ferries depart the mainland in the morning. Includes DOC permit and introductory talk.

04/04/2026

It’s the final day of our Easter egg hunt challenge! 🐣🥚

This speckled egg and little pēpi peeking through belong to a curious and character-filled native bird.

Can you name it? 👇

Thanks for playing along this Easter. How many did you get right?

Thanks for playing along this Easter. How many did you get right?sterfun

03/04/2026

Day 4 of our Easter egg hunt 🐣🥚

This egg belongs to a striking coastal manu often seen along our shorelines.

Do you know who laid this egg? Bonus points if you can share its te reo Māori name 👇