Private Tour
Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s best-kept nature sanctuaries and a pest and predator-free haven for native birds.
Take the ferry from Paraparaumu Beach to Waiorua at the northern end of the island. You'll be met by your local guide who tell you the unique history and stories of this place and will walk with you to help you identify the flora & fauna all around you. You'll have time for independent walking before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you'll head back to the mainland by ferry.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please contact us between 7-7:15am on the day of your tour to confirm your check in time and that the tour is going ahead. Ph: 0800 527 484.
Lodge closed during June/July/August for annual maintenance
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kapiti Island
Experience Kapiti Island with a day tour to Waiorua Bay. Enjoy a guided walk, learn the stories of this magical island, and enjoy our famous hospitality with a delicious lunch at the Lodge.
What‘s Included
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
Department of Conservation and local council permits
Coffee and/or Tea
Entry / Admission - Kapiti Island
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities (not required)
Options
Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour
Reviews
548 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful island with important conservation history
meggiet63,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved hiking the trails, seeing the birdlife, and learning about the natural and human history of the island. Amazing conservation work has been done here! The island is growing itself back to how it naturally was before humans modified the grounds of the island. This means you'll experience true NZ forest close to how it used to be. Timatea, our guide, gave a fascinating intro talk and even walked up to the summit where most people were to chat with them. I learned a lot from his chats. Highly recommend going to Kāpiti Island!
Awesome experience!
barch04,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From check-in to drop-off at the end, the whole day was well organised, efficiently managed, and really enjoyable! The staff are friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. It was great to have a detailed explanation of the island's history and the bird life. There was plenty of time to take a relaxing walk up to the highest point on the island, taking in the scenery and birds along the way. Highly recommend this to anyone and only wish we had done it much sooner :)
Great day on Kapiti Island
OnAir43674580422,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome day on Kapiti Island. From the welcoming sign-in staff to the boat crew and our island guide - everything was done with a smile and professionalism. Special thanks to Pania for her fantastic introduction to the island and its fascinating history - really awesome.
Kapiti Tour
Resort59699103901,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful expereince, had a good time, "in another world"!
Simply special
Camper26953169878,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing experience. Tim had a wealth of knowledge and simply an absolute legend. The deck crew on the boat were friendly and welcoming. The island is incredible. I recommend taking the Trig track to the summit because it is quieter.
Kapiti Island is a must!
robynsT7602US,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful! Absolutely enjoyed the whole experience. The Staff were fabulous and knew their stuff. Excellent presentation when we arrived on Kapiti and learnt so much history. The conservation of Kapiti is great. The walk to the lookout was easy, though a bit puffed when we reach the top, but will worth the view. After looking at Kapiti for the last 75 years it was wonderful to be able to go there. The boat trip to and from Kapiti was great and another great experience, and especially seeing dolphins swimming around. I highly recommend for people to go and enjoy the experience. Thank you.
Kapiti Island
Katherine D,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is wonderful! Guides from a family with ties to the island so very informative. The views are spectacular. You will need to be fit enough for an uphill hike to get best views. Well worth it!
An island of predator-free calm
Claire W,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Putting aside the admin issues we experienced in dealing with the operator, our party of four had a lovely day on this very special island. Our introductory talk was humorous, fascinating and full of detail about the history, flora and fauna we were to experience. The Māori tradition, language and love of the earth was central to the enjoyment of our day. The welcome we received was genuinely given and felt. The rip roaring boat trip back to shore was heaps of fun and we emerged with enormous respect for the skipper. Great day. Thoroughly recommend.
Kapiti Island Day Trip
christinejackson19,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous to experience a predator free island. Excellent walking tracks through native bush where you hear and see so many native birds. Manaaki was an excellent guide and so knowledgeable. Mia gave us a delicious lunch. Highly recommend this tour.
Good bush and beach walks
Pioneer08114554376,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Unfortunately the weather prevented us from doing the overnight experience but we did the day trip. Our guide gave the group a brief talk but there was no guided tour so we had difficulty recognising birds and their calls.
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