Enjoy listening to and spotting birds on walks in two areas on the island open to the public: Rangatira, halfway along the eastern shore, and the northern end of the island.
Rangatira area walks
Walk through the forest to view birds and the historic whare, the oldest building associated with nature conservation in New Zealand. Or climb the track to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kāpiti Island at 521m above sea level overlooking the marine reserve.
Rangatira Loop walk
How long will it take? This is a 90-minute return loop walk.
Start at the Rangatira shelter and enjoy an easy walk through regenerating forest and coastal shrubland. See whaling trypots (artefacts from the island’s whaling history) and the historic whare. Explore the Rangatira wetland via a boardwalk, then walk around the coastal section back to the shelter.
Wilkinson Track
How long will it take? This is a two-hour one-way walk.
Walk to Tuteremoana along a well-formed track with a steady uphill climb. Pass a picnic area and hihi feeding station a third of the way up. There is a toilet 10 minutes from the summit. This is an ideal track for all ages and fitness levels.
Trig Track
How long will it take? This is a two-hour one-way walk.
This is a more challenging walk to Tūteremoana with narrow, uneven sections. It is considerably steeper than the Wilkinson Track and should only be attempted by confident trampers with good, sturdy footwear. This is an uphill track only.
Looking from Kapiti to Paraparaumu. © Duncan Creative Commons
Northern end walks
Walking tracks at the northern end of the island pass through grassland, shrubland, regenerating forest and coastline, and provide fantastic views of freshwater Ōkupe Lagoon.
Ōkupe Valley Loop Walk
How long will it take? This is a 90-minute return walk.
This follows a gentle gradient to a lookout above the western cliffs (198m).
Boulder Bank Loop Track
How long will it take? This is a 45-minute return loop walk.
This walk follows the coastline around the boulder bank. This track is closed from October to March to avoid disturbing nesting seabirds.
Beach Landing to Shelter Track
How long will it take? This is a five-minute one-way walk.
Start at beach edge and finish at the junction before north end visitor shelter.
Explore more...
