a

Kapiti Island

Greater Wellington  >  New Zealand

The Kapiti Island Nature Reserve is a predator-free island that was reforested and tried to put in a natural state since the 1980s.

Added* by Paul Poletajew
Most recent update 6 квітня 2023

Description

Kapiti Island is a very good spot for the local endemic birds, as it is predator-free and for this a very large island. The Forest developed is good and gives you an impression how uninhabited Aotearoa looked like. Stitchbird, Yellowhead, Whitehead, North Island Saddleback, New Zealand Kaka, Red-crowned Parakeet, North Island Kokako, Little Spotted Kiwi and the reintroduced South Island Takahe are just the top of list of this beautiful place.

Details

Access

Ferries start from Paraparaumu near the Boating Club. On the island there are several paths in very good condition with different difficulties. It is possible to stay overnight. But the accommodation is a bit costly, and maybe not necessary as the ferries arrive quite early on the island.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Mountain , Beach , Sea , Dunes

Conditions

Mountainous

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Spring , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring , Summer

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

For the best birding experience you should take the southern route (Trig Tack). It is more difficult to walk and has some places were its very steep and rocky but you get really good views on the treetops and more dense forest. The other Track has a birdfeeder on its half way, where Stitchbird and many other birds assemble and you can sit on a bench and have a little break. Also do a walk through the shrubs near the landing site, were it might be possible to see the South Island Takahe.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area