Kapiti Island Nature Tours
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Kapiti Island Nature Tours
Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand's oldest and most important nature reserves, and a place rich in human history. Our family first arrived on Kapiti in 1820, and have been welcoming visitors to the island for generations
OPENING HOURS: Operational for the duration of the Lions Tour
COST:
Overnight Kiwi Spotting Tour – from $415.00 per adult, $50 per child (5-17yrs), under 5yrs are FOC
Kapiti Day Tour – $195.00 per adult, $130 per child (5-17yrs), under 5yrs are FOC
Return Ferry Transport – $95.00 per adult, $50 per child (5-17yrs), under 5yrs are FOC
Kapiti Island is an internationally renowned sanctuary for New Zealand native flora and fauna- a forest reserve for New Zealand wildlife. Kapiti Island is also the home of a well established Marine Reserve. And if you love taking photos, you couldn’t find a more incredible environment to do so.
Maximise your Kapiti Island visit with us. Within one booking request we can confirm and book your tour and accommodation if you stay the night, book your return ferry, obtain the relevant permits, and give you all the information you need to have a fantastic stay.
We cater for all fitness levels. The walk from Rangatira to the highest point requires the highest level of fitness, with steep and demanding tracks and truly rewarding birdlife and nature experiences.
Alternatively, Waiorua (the North End) offers a much less strenuous walking option, still with wonderful flora and fauna experiences, and an opportunity to view the Royal Spoonbill nesting colony with one of our guided walks.
Waiorua Bay (North end) offers a more relaxed range of options.
Wherever you go on the Island, there is absolutely no chance that there’ll be too many people – just 100 permits are issued to Rangatira per day, and only 60 per day to Waiorua Bay, the home of local whanau and Kapiti Island Nature Tours.
Details
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Kapiti Island Nature ToursCommercial organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Kapiti Island |
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Directions Kapiti Island Office |
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Directions Kapiti Island Office |
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Bird Watching
Reviews
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5.0/5
Fantastic day trip in an area of such natural beauty!
All of the staff were most welcoming and helpful! Would recommend to anyone who enjoys nature, walks and especially birdwatching!
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4.5/5
Fascinating "close to nature" experience; privileged access to uniquely NZ environment; well organised, well balanced combination of professionalism combined with warm and friendly family welcome and hospitality
, generous caterings and comfortable and appropriate accommodation. Flora and fauna easily accessible for both the energetic and the more ponderous with comfortable and flexible balance between guided and free exploration according to preference. Overnight stay definitely worthwhile. Photography paradise for all levels. Magnificent views by day and night. Somewhat weather dependent.
Hi DJ
Thanks for your kind comments- yes , we are somewhat weather dependent, hopefully our recent transition to a larger and more robust water taxi option will allow more operational days.
kind regards.
Minnie
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5.0/5
This was possibly the number 1 experience of our two week trip to New Zealand from the US.
And for me the best aspect was that on the north end during the overnight stay, it felt like I was being welcomed warmly into the home of a real family. Stepping off the ferry on to the stones of the beach, we were met by Manaaki, who explained that his family had owned this land for generations. He showed us their cemetery on the way to the family home, now the main lodge building. Amo, the grandmother or aunt, made a point of talking to me, and I so enjoyed hearing her stories about some of the ancestors pictured on the wall, and her kind attention. Vikki, Matthew, and Minnie in the reservations office could not have been kinder or more attentive. The meals were tasty, with many options and generous quantities. Having meals three times with the other guests that night and morning, most of whom were from NZ, allowed some of us to get acquainted and even form new friendships across the miles. It was inspiring to see the extraordinary efforts being made to conserve the remaining species, by the DOC as well as the family. We had some luck finding those endemics, including one little spotted kiwi and a little blue penguin. I heard more birds than I could spot; many seemed elusive. Other reviewers have detailed what is there. I also enjoyed the north end loop hike and views from the peak to the west and back to the North Island (not as steep a hike as the one in the middle of the island) and learning about the trees and other vegetation. I was sorry when our 30 hours were over and would love to return. Thank you!
Hi John
We appreciate your comments & review.
Regards.
Minnie
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4.5/5
All the staff were helpful, courteous, and good natured but the young man (Manacki ??) who reviewed history and ecology of the island and presented large photos of the birds was exceptional.
He has a charismatic manner that makes him very effective as a presenter. The fact that he is in the lineage of the Maori whanu makes it all the more interesting. The food at the lodge for lunch was very good. Our only point of confusion had to do with finding the coastal trail which we had been warned was not marked as such. A great day!!
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5.0/5
Our first booking had to be postponed because of the sea conditions but we were lucky enough to be able to postpone our booking to the following week.
We landed on the D.O.C. land and walked part way up the peak - we didn't feel any pressure to make it to the top, especially when people coming down told us it was cloudy at the top; anyhow we were entranced by the stitchbird feeders and the birdlife in the bush. There were stunning views through the trees on the way down and we had our first encounter with a kaka - and a group of year 11 geography students. Some borrowed our binoculars and we enjoyed their enthusiasm. But best of all at this bit of the island was patient scrutiny of the cover and the realisation that there were indeed takahe in the grass scrubland. They were shy, but they were there. Then on by boat to the Northend and the wonderful hospitality of the family running the Nature tour. Birdlife abounded everywhere, there was so much it was almost silly - we didn't have to move from our cabin to see takahe, kereru, weka and kaka and clouds of gold finches. The food was plentiful and excellent, - as the sole veggie I was well catered for. No kiwis were spotted on the the walk that night, but it was still magical, listening to their calls and also the outrageous noise made by those very small blue penguins. A great night in a comfortable bed, a fantastic breakfast and then more walks more birding - kingfishers and then completely by chance a fern bird. More good company over lunch and time for a little amble and some more birding in the sunshine before the boat took us off - this was a memorable trip, one of the highlights of our visit to New Zealand. If you love birds, want to experience great hospitality and can get to Kapiti and stay over - don't miss it.
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5.0/5
Unique way to experience wildlife on this stunning island.
Small groups taken across and there is a chance to stay overnight and see kiwi in the wild, just behind the lodge! Awaken in the morning to the glorious sound of native bird song - it doesn't get better than this!
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5.0/5
Fantastic.
Highly recommend. A bucket list item everyone should do and it will exceed all expectations. We did the overnight, kiwi-spotting tour and it was amazing. Our hosts were so hospitable and knowledgable. The food was excellent. Highlights were having a takahe (one of the rarest birds in the worl) wandering around on the lawn by the lodge, happy to come with a metre of us; having a little spotted kiwi fossicking around on the lawn, and later seeing another in the bush; a kaka alighting on my husband's shoulder, and just the lovely peacefulness of the place.
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5.0/5
We went for the overnight stay.
On the first day we walked to the Tuteremoana (Highest peak of the island), that night we stayed in the lodge and went Kiwi sighting, then the next day we walked to the peak at the north end. What a magical experience! Were so lucky to have great weather and see some very rare birds and get some great photos (Kokako, Takahe, Kiwi, Tieke, and many more). It was like arriving in another world as we jumped off the little boat onto shore, seeing and hearing birds running around the ground and soaring above the tree tops. Was very humbling to sit in the bush and at the peaks of the island and be part of what NZ was like once upon a time. The lodge and our cabin was very warm on what was a freezing cold night. The hospitality and food was awesome and I left the table fully satisfied every time. Tea, coffee, juice, water, and fruit was available 24/7. Nga mihi nui ki a Manaaki, Vikki, ratou ki nga kaimahi, kaitiaki hoki o te motu tapu o Kapiti!
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4.0/5
I went to Kapiti Island for a literary event.We had a guided tour,a lunch and two speakers.My tour guide Janine showed us how to make a whistle out of a plant to call birds and she also showed us the location
of some kiwi burrows.My group had a coastal walk -we were shown where seabirds nest and we were also shown the lagoon from a vantage point.We were also shown wood pigeons roosting in trees behind the lodge at the north end of the island and we were introduced to some tame takahe around the lodge.
Margaret Jeune
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2.0/5
Having read the other reviews of Kapiti Island Alive, I'm sorry to rain on the parade a little.
I had much higher expectations of this operation given the publicity and the price paid. There are a number of things that could be improved, e.g. the information given before landing regarding what you could and couldn't bring, and the tracks that are closed during certain times of the year. Also, it should be mentioned that weather conditions could mean the boat will pick you up early and you may miss out on one of the long walks. The 'lodge' is a family bach. The food is filling but ordinary for the price. While the wildlife is around and quite visible, I couldn't call the guides 'highly trained' or 'expert' based on the talk given before the night tour.
The island is a beautiful place and the lodge is a great idea but it needs to work harder to live up to its pricing and publicity.
Addition 29/1: Perhaps janets (who refers to my review) could rethink her assumptions that I have not been to more expensive places than this and bear in mind that people are entitled to their opinion and may have had a different experience to the one she had. Perhaps an ego reduction is in order for her.
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5.0/5
Fantastic day trip in an area of such natural beauty!
All of the staff were most welcoming and helpful! Would recommend to anyone who enjoys nature, walks and especially birdwatching!
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4.5/5
Fascinating "close to nature" experience; privileged access to uniquely NZ environment; well organised, well balanced combination of professionalism combined with warm and friendly family welcome and hospitality
, generous caterings and comfortable and appropriate accommodation. Flora and fauna easily accessible for both the energetic and the more ponderous with comfortable and flexible balance between guided and free exploration according to preference. Overnight stay definitely worthwhile. Photography paradise for all levels. Magnificent views by day and night. Somewhat weather dependent.
Hi DJ
Thanks for your kind comments- yes , we are somewhat weather dependent, hopefully our recent transition to a larger and more robust water taxi option will allow more operational days.
kind regards.
Minnie
-
5.0/5
This was possibly the number 1 experience of our two week trip to New Zealand from the US.
And for me the best aspect was that on the north end during the overnight stay, it felt like I was being welcomed warmly into the home of a real family. Stepping off the ferry on to the stones of the beach, we were met by Manaaki, who explained that his family had owned this land for generations. He showed us their cemetery on the way to the family home, now the main lodge building. Amo, the grandmother or aunt, made a point of talking to me, and I so enjoyed hearing her stories about some of the ancestors pictured on the wall, and her kind attention. Vikki, Matthew, and Minnie in the reservations office could not have been kinder or more attentive. The meals were tasty, with many options and generous quantities. Having meals three times with the other guests that night and morning, most of whom were from NZ, allowed some of us to get acquainted and even form new friendships across the miles. It was inspiring to see the extraordinary efforts being made to conserve the remaining species, by the DOC as well as the family. We had some luck finding those endemics, including one little spotted kiwi and a little blue penguin. I heard more birds than I could spot; many seemed elusive. Other reviewers have detailed what is there. I also enjoyed the north end loop hike and views from the peak to the west and back to the North Island (not as steep a hike as the one in the middle of the island) and learning about the trees and other vegetation. I was sorry when our 30 hours were over and would love to return. Thank you!
Hi John
We appreciate your comments & review.
Regards.
Minnie
-
4.5/5
All the staff were helpful, courteous, and good natured but the young man (Manacki ??) who reviewed history and ecology of the island and presented large photos of the birds was exceptional.
He has a charismatic manner that makes him very effective as a presenter. The fact that he is in the lineage of the Maori whanu makes it all the more interesting. The food at the lodge for lunch was very good. Our only point of confusion had to do with finding the coastal trail which we had been warned was not marked as such. A great day!!
-
5.0/5
Our first booking had to be postponed because of the sea conditions but we were lucky enough to be able to postpone our booking to the following week.
We landed on the D.O.C. land and walked part way up the peak - we didn't feel any pressure to make it to the top, especially when people coming down told us it was cloudy at the top; anyhow we were entranced by the stitchbird feeders and the birdlife in the bush. There were stunning views through the trees on the way down and we had our first encounter with a kaka - and a group of year 11 geography students. Some borrowed our binoculars and we enjoyed their enthusiasm. But best of all at this bit of the island was patient scrutiny of the cover and the realisation that there were indeed takahe in the grass scrubland. They were shy, but they were there. Then on by boat to the Northend and the wonderful hospitality of the family running the Nature tour. Birdlife abounded everywhere, there was so much it was almost silly - we didn't have to move from our cabin to see takahe, kereru, weka and kaka and clouds of gold finches. The food was plentiful and excellent, - as the sole veggie I was well catered for. No kiwis were spotted on the the walk that night, but it was still magical, listening to their calls and also the outrageous noise made by those very small blue penguins. A great night in a comfortable bed, a fantastic breakfast and then more walks more birding - kingfishers and then completely by chance a fern bird. More good company over lunch and time for a little amble and some more birding in the sunshine before the boat took us off - this was a memorable trip, one of the highlights of our visit to New Zealand. If you love birds, want to experience great hospitality and can get to Kapiti and stay over - don't miss it.
-
5.0/5
Unique way to experience wildlife on this stunning island.
Small groups taken across and there is a chance to stay overnight and see kiwi in the wild, just behind the lodge! Awaken in the morning to the glorious sound of native bird song - it doesn't get better than this!
-
5.0/5
We went for the overnight stay.
On the first day we walked to the Tuteremoana (Highest peak of the island), that night we stayed in the lodge and went Kiwi sighting, then the next day we walked to the peak at the north end. What a magical experience! Were so lucky to have great weather and see some very rare birds and get some great photos (Kokako, Takahe, Kiwi, Tieke, and many more). It was like arriving in another world as we jumped off the little boat onto shore, seeing and hearing birds running around the ground and soaring above the tree tops. Was very humbling to sit in the bush and at the peaks of the island and be part of what NZ was like once upon a time. The lodge and our cabin was very warm on what was a freezing cold night. The hospitality and food was awesome and I left the table fully satisfied every time. Tea, coffee, juice, water, and fruit was available 24/7. Nga mihi nui ki a Manaaki, Vikki, ratou ki nga kaimahi, kaitiaki hoki o te motu tapu o Kapiti!
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5.0/5
Fantastic.
Highly recommend. A bucket list item everyone should do and it will exceed all expectations. We did the overnight, kiwi-spotting tour and it was amazing. Our hosts were so hospitable and knowledgable. The food was excellent. Highlights were having a takahe (one of the rarest birds in the worl) wandering around on the lawn by the lodge, happy to come with a metre of us; having a little spotted kiwi fossicking around on the lawn, and later seeing another in the bush; a kaka alighting on my husband's shoulder, and just the lovely peacefulness of the place.
-
4.0/5
I went to Kapiti Island for a literary event.We had a guided tour,a lunch and two speakers.My tour guide Janine showed us how to make a whistle out of a plant to call birds and she also showed us the location
of some kiwi burrows.My group had a coastal walk -we were shown where seabirds nest and we were also shown the lagoon from a vantage point.We were also shown wood pigeons roosting in trees behind the lodge at the north end of the island and we were introduced to some tame takahe around the lodge.
Margaret Jeune
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5.0/5
What a wonderful experience.
Unspoilt bush and protected NZ wildlife in their natural environment away from 'the madding crowd'. We spent the first part of our experience with a bush walk to the top of the island watching and listening for signs of the profuse birdlife that our guide had so animatedly described to us. After a good walk we then boated to the Northern end of the Island where we spent a most relaxing and educational evening and night with our most welcoming and committed hosts. Yes, we got up close to kiwis in their natural environment thanks to the knowledge and experience of our passionate guides. The whole experience, including the genuine welcome and excellent food is one we will remember for many years. We will most certainly be back.
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5.0/5
I was only on the island for about 30 hours, but we packed so much in, it seemed so much longer.
I say 'we', but I went alone, however I soon felt part of the 'whanau'.
So many other reviews describe the experience far better than I could. The highlight of my visit will be watching the Kiwi, then looking down to find that a penguin had joined our group. He was looking up at us as if to say, "What you looking at guys?". He then toddled up the path as only penguins can.
Great people, scenery, birdlife, food, people, island, and did I mention the people? A great experience I will never forget.
Thanks John and all your whanau.
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4.5/5
A gloriously sunny day provided the perfect weather for a day trip to beautiful Kapiti Island.
Our water taxi left Paraparaumu Beach just after 9am and about half an hour later we were dropped off at Waiorua, a private settlement at the northern end of the island. John our guide gave our small group a very informative talk about the history of Kapiti and explained the conservation measures that have been put in place to protect the native bird life there. Then it was time to start our climb to the peak accompanied by bird song, sightings of some rather well fed looking tuis and wekas among other birds and were finally rewarded with a fantastic view overlooking the Tasman Sea when we reached the summit. Upon our return to ground level we were greeted by a delicious lunch prepared by Vicky and her helpers, then feeling well satisfied lazed in the sun until the water taxi came to pick us up at 3pm to take us back to reality. I would have no hesitation in recommending Kapiti Island Nature Tours and enjoyed being part of their whanau for a day and sharing their special place
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4.5/5
Our overnight stay felt like a long weekend we packed so much into our time in the bay.
We walked through beautiful bush and along the coast and saw so many bird species. A really uplifting experience which expanded our knowledge of the local flora/fauna. Our hosts were welcoming and inclusive, the food plentiful and healthy. A big thank you to Manaaki, Amo and Vicky for a wonderful time and delicious paua. We have since caught up on Manaaki's helicopter filming which just makes us want to return to Kapiti again!
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5.0/5
I spent two nights on the Kapiti Island at the Kapiti Island nature tours lodge and had a wonderful time.
I was well looked after, the food was great, and I can thoroughly recommend it. The birding around the lodge is excellent with many of the native New Zealand birds common and easily seen and at night we went out and saw Little Spotted Kiwis both nights. An excellent trip.
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5.0/5
Short story: Fully recommended!
Long story: Climb up the hill and get to see plenty of birds you don't stumble upon very often on the mainland (saddlebacks, hihi, weka,, kaka ...). Make sure you book the overnight stay, because that is where the fun begins. After being transfered to another bay you're going to get welcomed by the Barrett family. They're lovely hosts who happen to be visited by a takahe family on a daily basis. While that encounter alone is worth the visit you also have a great chance to spot a kiwi at night.
Anyway, sorry for posting this review so late It was a pleasure meeting you all and I really enjoyed discussing Kiwi music with Sam and Manaaki ;-)
Cheers, Sebastian
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4.5/5
My son and I recently did a full day tour on the northern part of Kapiti Island with Kapiti Island Nature tours.
We thoroughly enjoyed the day and were very well looked after by Minnie, Jeanine and John. We were delighted to see many native birds and really enjoyed the walks around the area and up to the lookout. There was an excellent lunch and everyone we dealt with had a marvellous knowledge of the flora and fauna and also the history of the island. I would have no hesitation in recommending this experience to individuals or families. TjamesH, NZ.
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5.0/5
We visited the nature reserve and walked to the top of the island (whew!) before going on to an overnight stay at the lodge where the hospitality is excellent.
Amo welcomed us to the island and was a fund of information on its history. Minaki spoke about the local birds in a very knowledgeable and articulate introduction. Vicky cooked us superb meals with fresh produce and was always friendly and helpful. Lots of beautiful birds and walking. And of course, the highlight, a brilliantly successful kiwi spotting walk under the moonlight and the Southern Cross led by Minaki and Janine. Just magic.
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4.5/5
What a wonderful experience!
Kapiti Island is a special treasure and to stay overnight there is a real treat. The team of John, Amo and Vicki were so friendly and welcoming. The cabin was basic, (as advertised) but clean and warm. The food was fresh, delicious and plentiful. The highlight for us was walking up the private valley which is only an option when staying overnight. We saw ruru, tieke, bellbirds and tui, the birdsong was loud and beautiful - it was quite magical.
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5.0/5
We spent last weekend on Kapiti island for our wedding anniversary.
It would have to be one of our best weekends away in 35 years. All the staff Minnie, Amo, John & Vicky were amazing, the food was fantastic, our accomodation in the ensuite lodge was great and over the 3 days we were there we met some lovely people. We would definitely recommend Kapiti Island Nature Tours 😃
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5.0/5
I took the family on an overnight trip to celebrate my birthday.
The bird life was amazing. My mother and I saw a kiwi right next to our bunk-room. Amo and her team were wonderful hosts and the food was delicious. The cheeky Kaka were the highlight of our stay.
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4.5/5
We visited overnight including Kiwi spotting in the evening.
A visit and overnight stay is highly recommended - the lodge is in a stunning location with several good walks and a good variety of birdlife including Kiwi! The accommodation was basic (as advertised) but of a high standard and with nice quirky touches. The hospitality of the hosts was outstanding - really friendly, genuine and great food. Everything was very well organised. A good option for overnight stays is to visit the main Nature Reserve on Kapiti (Rangitira) on the first morning - that way you can see Hihi and Saddleback amongst other birds - and then head to Kapiti Island Nature Tour Lodge in the afternoon.
Thoroughly enjoyable visit.
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5.0/5
Had a wonderful day.
Beautiful wildlife, walks and views were matched by the warm hospitality of hosts Minnie, Mum and the team. Thank you so much. We will be back.
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4.5/5
had a fantastic overnight stay on the island- on the Saturday walked up to the high point for stunning 360' views...
even saw Tapi! Tha north Island was a bit more under cloud... Then transfered to the north of the Island where we stayed- lovely! Fantasic bird life & even saw the kiwi at night! Thank you! :)
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5.0/5
A special experience on an island with not only wonderful birdlife but a fascinating history.
We felt relaxed and warmly welcomed by our hosts from the moment we met the boat at Paraparaumu Beach. Accommodation and lodge facilities are simple but very clean and comfortable. It is the island, the birdlife and the exceptional family that make this a rich and rewarding experience. Seeing kiwi on the night walk is a bonus but not all that Kapiti Island has to offer!
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4.5/5
Enjoyed this experience very much, largely because of the wairua - the birds were great too, Amo and her crew and Lundsay's fab food made it a wonderful experience
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4.0/5
I stayed two days on Kapiti Island from 05/01/-06/01/2012.
The accommodation was simple considering the quite expensive price, but the food was extraordinary good with fresh Paua and other seafood. The birdwatching was productive with Stitchbird (note: just Rangatira Landing), Takahe, Saddleback, Blue Penguin, Brown Teal, Weka and Kaka. The Kiwi spotting tour was exciting, but we were not lucky to see them. Summarising the experience I can recommend staying overnight on Kapiti with Nature Tours, but it is expensive.
Sebastian, Germany
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4.5/5
Very expensive, but a chance to see birds, Very good Maori guide - told us about the history of his tribe and the island.
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3.5/5
Kapiti Island is great for bird lovers.
The Kāpiti Island Nature Tours offers an overnight stay at a lodge at the North End of the Island. At night there is a kiwi spotting tour. This is an adventure with no guarantee for success. Seeing a kiwi is special, but I found it a little bit of an disappointment after seeing a lot of other birds on the island, including the rare takahe. Photographing kiwis is very difficult.
The price of the arrangement is a bit high, as it doesn't include the ferry. But the people of Kāpiti Island Nature Tours are very, very friendly and make you feel at home.
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5.0/5
My nephew and I were warmly welcomed and VERY well fed during our overnight stay on the island.
There is a timelessness that encourages one to relax and enjoy a more appreciative pace. We wandered for hours in the bush watching the birds and their antics, taking photos and just enjoying being out in nature. Kapiti is truely a taonga!
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5.0/5
I initially booked a day trip to Waiorua Bay, but after a nice and interesting introduction and upon arrival at the lodge I decided to extend the trip and stay over night (fortunately this was possible
due to some free beds).
It is hard to describe the 1.5 days with just words. John and the family at the lodge were so nice and friendly and open-hearted I immediately felt like home. Combine this with the excitement of watching kiwis and takahe from a few feet distance, and Kaka landing on your shoulder, scenic views all over the place, and great food: You have to have the impression you spent two days in paradise.
I think i have never seen a place as peaceful and welcoming as the Kapiti Island Nature Lodge.
