Kapiti Island Nature Reserve

Painting by Peg Rowe, local artist.

Kapiti Island Kapiti Island is home to an internationally famed nature reserve protecting some of the world's rarest and most endangered birds. The island is one of New Zealand's most valuable nature reserves being the only large island sanctuary for birds between the Hauraki Gulf in the north and the most southern outlying islands. 5km offshore and covering an area of 1965 hectares, Kapiti Island is 10km long and about 2km wide. The highest point, Tuteremoana, is 520m above sea level. There are 3 public tracks on the island. The Trig and McKenzie Tracks lead up to the summit and join about 3/4 of the way up then a single track leads to the top. The time it takes to walk to the top and return is about 3 hours. It is very steep in places so do plan to take your time. The 3rd track follows the coast to the north end of Kapiti Island beginning, along the rocks at Rangatira Bay. The return walk is about 2 1/2 hours. Vegetation on the island today are Kohekohe, Tawa and Kanuka. Many parts of the island are covered in scrub which is dominated by Fivefinger, Mahoe and Kanuka. These are regenerating after the devastating clearance fires of the 1800s and earlier. The bird life is abundant, look out for Kaka, Kakariki, Robin, Saddleback, Stitchbird, Weka, Kereru, Bellbirds and the very rare Takahe. Kiwi inhabit Kapiti Island and as they are nocturnal birds are not to be seen during the day. A Marine Reserve spans the gap between the Mainland and Kapiti Island. VISITING KAPITI ISLAND NATURE RESERVE Landing Permits Fifty (50) people per day may visit Kapiti Island Nature Reserve. A landing permit must be obtained from the Department of Conservation. Permits will not be issued more than 3 months in advance. Permit Cost: $9.00 per adult $4.50 per child Apply for Permits to: DOC Visitor Information Centre Government Buildings Historic Reserve Lambton Quay, Wellington Ph: (04) 472 7356 Launch Bookings Two commercial launch services take visitors to Kapiti Island. Fares may vary between the different operators and according to the size of your party. LAUNCH OPERATORS Kapiti Marine Charter Ross Leger Ph: 04 297 2585 / Mobile 025 424 850 Launch tip cost - $30 adult $20 child (5 - 15 yrs) Under 5 years free Kapiti Tours Ltd / Kapiti Island Alive! John Barrett Ph: 0200 527 484/ Mobile 025 288 3771 Launch trip costs - $30 adult $20 child (5 - 15 yrs) Under 5 years free PRIVATE BOATS MAY NOT LAND AT KAPITI ISLAND NATURE RESERVE DEPARTURE TIMES Boats depart from Paraparaumu Beach in front of the Kapiti Boating Club. Departure times from 9am - 9.30am. Returning between 3pm and 4pm. Do not book a launch until a landing permit has been arranged with the Department of Conservation. Walk and Talk Guides are available on the island at a cost of $10. WEATHER CONDITIONS The safe passage of visitors to Kapiti is the responsibility of the launch operator. The manager/ skipper will assess weather conditions before 7am on the morning of the crossing. Passengers are to confirm travel arrangements with the skipper at 7.30am, before leaving home. CANCELLATIONS If the trip is cancelled is may be possible to transfer your permit to another date if spaces are available. Contact the Department of Conservation to reschedule your permit. If no suitable alternative date is available, the original permit fee will not be refunded . PLEASE REMEMBER FIRES - must not be lit, which includes barbecues and all forms of cooking stoves. SMOKING - permission must be obtained from island staff. Smoking is permitted only at the edge of the beach. EVERYTHING - on the island is protected and nothing may be removed, this includes all plant material, insects, lizards and birds. PLEASE - remove all your litter from the island. For further information or assistance with planning your trip contact: Kapiti Coast Information Centre Tel: (06) 364 7620 Fax: (06) 364 7630 email: kapiti.info@levin.pl.net