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Overview
Kapiti Island is located about 5 km off the west coast of southern North Island, New Zealand. It is one of New Zealand’s island nature reserves and very important for the protection and recovery of New Zealand's native bird species. To protect the island habitat and its endangered species, only 50 visitors a day are allowed.
Birds
Notable Species
Little Spotted Kiwi, North Island Brown Kiwi, South Island Takahe, Weka, Black-billed Gull, New Zealand Kaka, Stitchbird, North Island Kokako, Brown Teal, North Island Saddleback, Red-fronted Parakeet (Kakariki), Tui
Rarities
"to do"
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
"to do"
Other Wildlife
All introduced mammalian predators have been eliminated from the island to give the native birds the protection they need to breed and recover their numbers. New Zealand's birds evolved in the absence of mammals which makes them particularly vulnerable to the feral cats, stoats, weasels, rats and mice which man brought to New Zealand.
Site Information
History and Use
Kapiti Island covers an area of 1,965 hectares, is 10 km (6.2 miles) long and about 2 km (1.25 miles) wide. Tuteremoana, the highest point, is 521 metres (1709 feet)above sea-level. The Department of Conservation took over the stewardship of the island in 1987.
Areas of Interest
- Rangatira, about halfway along the eastern shore.
- Kapiti Nature Lodge, at the north end of the island, where overnight visits can be booked.
Access and Facilities
Only 50 people per day, may visit Rangatira. The limit is 18 per day for the north end of the island. Visits to the island are weather dependent.
You must apply in advance for a permit to visit both parts of Kapiti Island.
Permit fees (current as of Sept. 2010):
- Adult: NZ$11.00
- Youth/Child (5-17 years): NZ$5.00
- Infant (0-4 years): free
- Transport requires a separate charge
For more details, plus information on the 2 licensed boat operators, see Permits and Transport
You may apply for the permit online at: DoC online booking form.
Full payment must be made at the time of booking. Cancellation fees may apply.
Contact Details
Contact the Department of Conservation, Kapiti Area Office:
- Phone: (04) 296 1112
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
External Links
- Kapiti Island on Dept. of Conservation website
- Map of Kapiti Island
- Visits to the Nature Lodge at the north end of Kapiti Island
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.1
Content and images originally posted by HelenB
