Kāpiti Island tracks and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This follows a gentle gradient to a lookout above the western cliffs (198m).

This walk follows the coastline around the boulder bank. This track is closed from October to March to avoid disturbing nesting seabirds.

Start at beach edge and finish at the junction before north end visitor shelter.