Plan your visit
Planning Your Kapiti Island Visit
Ferries leave from Paraparaumu Beach. You get roughly 5.5 hours to explore the island on a standard day tour.
Getting there
Ferries take 15 minutes. Crossings depend strictly on sea conditions.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat: Authorized ferry operators depart from Paraparaumu Beach to the island (usually landing at Waiorua or Rangatira Point). | 15 minutes | Included in tour/ticket price | Check-in at Kapiti Boating Club / Marine Parade. Crossings are strictly subject to sea and weather conditions. |
| Car: Drive north from Wellington on State Highway 1 to Paraparaumu Beach. | 50 minutes from Wellington CBD | Free parking is generally available near the departure point | Paraparaumu is a convenient hub with cafes and free parking along the beach. |
| Tour: Book a tour package that includes shuttle transport picking up directly from your Wellington accommodation or the Central Train Station. | Approx 1.5 hours to Paraparaumu | Added to tour price (e.g., Wellington Return packages around $545) | Ideal for those travelling without a rental car. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
Spring and summer (October to April) are the best times to go. You get warmer weather, calmer sea crossings, and active birdlife. The Nature Lodge closes for maintenance during June, July, and August.
What to bring
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Bring your own drinking water.
There is no drinking water available to buy on the island.
How the day runs
Most visitors spend the whole day. Here is a typical schedule for the classic day tour.
A typical 5.5-hour visit landing at Waiorua Bay.
- Biosecurity Check
Check in at Paraparaumu Beach. Bags and boots are inspected for soil and pests.
- Ferry Crossing
Board the boat for the 15-minute ride to the island.
- Introductory Talk
Local guides explain the history and safety rules of the reserve.
- Guided Walk
Spend an hour walking the trails while guides point out native birds.
- Lunch at the Lodge
Enjoy a chef-prepared meal if you booked a catered tour.
- Return Ferry
Board the ferry back to the mainland.
Focuses on the Wilkinson Track at Rangatira Point.
- Landing Briefing
Arrive at Rangatira Point and hear the safety briefing.
- Start Wilkinson Track
Begin the steady climb through regenerating forest.
- Tūteremoana Summit
Reach the 521m peak. Eat your packed lunch at the picnic area.
- Descent
Walk back down the same track. Pace yourself on the slopes.
- Coastal Birding
Spend the final hour near the shore watching for lower canopy birds.
Packing for the island
You must clean your gear before arriving. Pack sturdy, thoroughly scrubbed walking boots. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers, as the coastal weather changes fast. Put all your food in sealed, rodent-proof containers to pass the biosecurity checks.
Do not bring drones. Smoking and vaping are banned everywhere on the island. You must carry all your rubbish back to the mainland with you.
Easiest way to do it
Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour
5 h to 6 h 4.8 (574)
- Return ferry transportation from Paraparaumu Beach to Kapiti Island
- A 1hr guided nature/history walk.
- An introductory talk from an experienced and passionate local guide
- Lunch prepared by chef at The Lodge
From$189per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do you get to Kapiti Island?
You take a 15-minute ferry from Paraparaumu Beach. Paraparaumu is a 50-minute drive north of central Wellington. Free parking is available near the departure point.
What are the biosecurity rules for Kapiti Island?
Your bags, footwear, and clothes must be completely free of soil, seeds, and pests. Food must be packed in rodent-proof containers. Staff check everything before you board the ferry.
Is there food available to buy on Kapiti Island?
No. There are no shops or cafes on the island. You must bring your own packed lunch and drinking water, unless you book a fully catered tour package.