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Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour

Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Wellington, New Zealand
High interest
Booked 2 times today.
  • 5 to 6 hours (approx.)
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s best-kept nature sanctuaries and a predator-free haven for native birds. On this private day trip to the island, take a ferry from Paraparaumu Beach and spend your day walking the island, identifying kākā, kōkako, kererū and other native species with the help of your nature guide. Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch on the island before you head back to the mainland.
  • Learn about the island’s history and rich wildlife from your guides
  • Avoid a long drive: Paraparaumu is just north of Wellington
  • A private tour means a personalized experience just for you
  • Includes permits, lunch, and return ferry transportation

What's Included

  • Return ferry transportation from Paraparaumu Beach to Kapiti Island
  • Department of Conservation and local council permits
  • An introductory talk from an experienced and passionate local guide
  • Lunch prepared by chef at The Lodge
  • A 1hr guided nature/history walk.
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Entry / Admission - Kapiti Island
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities (not required)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 29 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach 5032, New Zealand

    Directions: Drive north fm Wellington City on State Highway 1. When you reach the town of Paraparaumu, turn left at traffic lights, follow Kapiti Road to the Kapiti Boating Club at the end of the road, take the 1st exit left on to Marine Parade, cafe is on corner of Howell Rd & Marine Parade.

End point

  • Kapiti Boating Club
    Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach 5032, New Zealand

    You will return to the beach at Paraparaumu Beach, in front of the Kapiti Boating Club.

Operating hours
.8:45 am

Itinerary

1

Kapiti Island

5 hours Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Please contact us between 7-7:15am on the day of your tour to confirm your check in time and that the tour is going ahead. Ph: 0800 527 484.
  • Lodge closed during June/July/August for annual maintenance
  • Near public transportation
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8
based on 552 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Magical birds on a beautiful Māori island

Joy_C, May 2026
This tour was the perfect balance of ecological, personal and cultural history on a stunning predator free bird island! My partner and I really enjoyed the guides welcoming and friendly vibe. He treated our small group like family! The lunch was also delicious and seeing and hearing so many unique New Zealand birds was the highlight of our trip! Highly recommend this tour to nature and history enthusiasts looking for a down-to-earth and enlightening experience!

Kapiti Island

Katherine_D, Mar 2026
It is wonderful! Guides from a family with ties to the island so very informative. The views are spectacular. You will need to be fit enough for an uphill hike to get best views. Well worth it!

Great trip.

Tony_M, Apr 2024
Our guide Tim was awesome, very knowledgable and passionate about the island’s history, fauna and flora.

Great experience

Clare_B, Feb 2024
Absolutely loved my visit, Janine was a great guide, lots of interesting facts and history. Ben made a very tasty lunch, thank you.

Super

Rainer_P, Feb 2024
The Natour! The Guide! Out Lunch! Starting with an exiting Bootstour. Then great Guided Tour. A nice Walk to the hillside and a very good Lunch. Thank for all of this!

Canceled tour

Barbara_G, Nov 2023
It was canceled due to bad weather and we were very disappointed. We skipped Wellington for this adventure. We only had the one day so hung out in the motel for most of the day.

A very enjoyable day.

Mark_R, Nov 2023
Seeing the Takahe was amazing, that was just taking a stroll with the guide after lunch. We enjoyed the walk to the lookout as well and spotted Kaka, Kereru, North Island Robin and Whitehead. We saw several birds we are not familiar with. I didn't get sick on the boat either, (it has. been an issue in the past)1 The guide (Bo), was charming and knowledgeable.

Kapiti Island tour

Margaret_T, Mar 2023
A lovely day on the Island, saw some amazing birds, and had a lovely lunch provided in our day tour. The guides were very knowledgeable.

Great nature day out.

Tim_O, Mar 2023
Well organised and and very informative guides with usual dose of NZ humour thrown in. Also an excellent lunch. Good value for money

Great guide, amazing...

Cheryl_D, Oct 2022
Great guide, amazing lunch after a walk up to the views and vista's. A fun shirt boat ride plus time to relax after lunch. I took two kids and my partner and the whole thing was just a really good time.
Likely to Sell Out

From $191.56

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 56 days in advance.

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