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.

Reviewed almost 10 years ago