Self-Guided Eco-Experience
Enjoy a full day or half day on Kapiti Island. All ferries depart the mainland in the morning.
On arrival our guide will welcome you with an introductory kōrero (talk), explain island tikanga (etiquette) and suggest the best hikoi (walking) options for your group.
From there you can explore at your own pace before catching your return ferry back to Paraparaumu Beach.
The price includes the required permit from the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Self-Guided Tours Include:
Return ferry tickets
DOC permit
Introductory talk with a guide
Eco-Experience: Rangatira Day Trip
Arriving at Rangatira Point, you’ll enjoy a day of exploring the forest track, with the option of a more challenging summit walk.
Rangatira Loop - Family favourite
Easy walk from Rangatira Point through regenerating forest and coastal shrubland. See whaling station artefacts and the historic whare. Explore the wetlands via a boardwalk. Approx 1 hour.
Wilkinson Track - Most popular
A more challenging climb to the island’s highest point to see stunning panoramic views. A picnic area and hīhī (stitchbird) feeding station is on the way up, offering a chance to see one of New Zealand’s rarest birds. Approx 2 hours.
Departures from 8am
5.5 hours on the island
From $129 per adult
From $79 per child
Prefer a guided walk with a delicious lunch?
You’ll want our Guided Tour.
Eco-Experience: Waiorua Half-Day
Reopening Saturday September 30th for regular sailings. For special groups of 15+ before then please contact us.
From your landing at Waiorua, enjoy an easy walk to a lookout over picturesque Okupe Lagoon, with the option to explore the coastline track in the off-season.
Okupe Valley Loop Track - Ideal for families
This walk follows a gentle gradient, with picturesque views over Okupe Lagoon and the marine reserve. Open year-round. Approx 1 hour 30 mins.
Boulder Bank Loop Track - Off-season only
Enjoy a coastal walk around the boulder bank. This track is closed from October to March (unless with a guide) to avoid disturbing nesting seabirds. Approx 45 mins.
Departures from 8am
4.5 hours on the island
From $109 per adult
From $69 per child
Need to know
What to bring
• Your own lunch and drinking water.
• Sturdy footwear.
• Warm clothing, a hat and a waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly.
Medical and mobility issues
If you or any of your party have any mobility or medical issues or concerns you must inform us when you are booking your trip. This will enable us to assess the trip’s suitability for you and provide additional support if needed. The trails are not paved and require a reasonable level of fitness to complete the tracks and in particular to climb to the highest point.
Boat ramp access
Access to the island is via a ramp and the beach is stony. You will need to be able to walk across an uneven and stony beach. If you have any concerns please ask and we can help you assess the trip’s suitability.
On the island
A shelter and toilets are available on the Island. There is no shop available.
Ferry service
Departures are from Kapiti Boating Club, Paraparaumu Beach.
Health & safety
We will do our best to get you to Kapiti Island, however safety is paramount. We review conditions daily and the ferry skipper may cancel the sailing.
Cancellations
We understand that plans change, so please call or email us if you need to change or cancel your trip. If your trip is cancelled by the ferry skipper you can transfer to another available date or request a refund. See our full cancellation policy here.
Guided Tours
We also offer guided walks with a delicious cooked lunch. You can catch the ferry as normal or we’ll pick you up from central Wellington. Sound good? Click here for Guided Tours.
