Kāpiti Island's Waiorua Bay
Kāpiti Island is situated off the Kāpiti Coast on the southwest side of the North Island. This ecosanctuary island is a unique chance to immerse yourself in natural beauty and diverse wildlife. At Waiorua Bay, Kāpiti Island Nature Tours has a lodge with various accommodation options, including meals. You can enjoy an overnight stay, complete with a night walk to spot kiwi.
Fun with the native Birds!
Although kiwi sightings are not guaranteed, the abundant birdlife around the lodge is easily observable due to the open landscape. During our visit, a weka and a kākā amusingly interrupted an outdoor meal by conniving to successfully steal a cheese and chips!
Beach and Shells at Waiorua Bay
The beach at Waiorua Bay is primarily stony and forms part of a nature reserve. It is adorned with pāua shells, and visitors may also find nautilus squid shells. These shells often appear on the beach after the squid become stranded and their shells are cleaned by seabirds. Due to the nature reserve's prohibition on removing items, these unusual shells are plentiful and easy to find.
Walking Tracks
From Waiorua Bay, two walking tracks are accessible: the Boulder Bank Loop and the Okupe Valley Loop Track. The Boulder Bank Loop circles the Okupe Lagoon and the northeast coast but is closed from October to March to protect nesting seabirds. The Okupe Valley Loop Track ascends to the top of the 200-metre cliffs at the island's northwest end for stunning views.
How to get to Kāpiti Island
To reach Kāpiti Island, take a ferry from Paraparaumu Beach on the mainland. The ferry can drop you off at Randgatira Bay for a hike to the top of the island on the Trig Track and Wilkinson Track, then pick you up and drop you off at Waiorua Bay for an overnight stay. Or take a trip just to Waiorua Bay. It is essential to book in advance, as visitor numbers are limited to protect the island's ecosystem.
Other walks and reserves on the Kāpiti Coast include the Paekākāriki Escarpment Track, the Waikanae River Walk and Hemi Matenga Reserve. Ngā Manu is an alternative, easier to reach mainland sanctuary.
