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
532 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Put this trip on your bucket list
764delwynb,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our group of 9 opted to not go on a guided tour but to use the Kapiti Adventures option of taking the ferry, having a talk about the island on arrival, then walking the tracks of choice. From time of booking then check in, the whole experience was easy and slick. Plenty of information was supplied.
Great trip
judithk3,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip to Kapiti island. I booked the return ferry self guided ticket but I appreciated the short talk from the guide at the beginning. It was lovely to see birds I haven't been before on a pest free NZ island. For me it was enough time on the island to do the summit trail and hang out on the beach for a bit
Southward Car Museum
cherylcY3943TM,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great day exploring the Kapiti area. The Southward Car Museum is an absolute must for car enthusiasts.
Great day out
isabellecB329LA,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fabulous day out and very fortunate with the weather! Great walk, informative talk beforehand and delicious lunch. Very well organised. Highly recommended.
Worth the visit!
richardmT4632CW,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed the visit with lots of birdlife on the island. The check process in the town was very easy and then a short walk (5 minutes) to the boat. The weather was glorious and crossing very smooth. We decided to walk to the top, which was quite demanding (fit 71 year-old) but a great view. Enjoyed the company of a Kaka on picnic table! No kiwis seen but none expected as they are nocturnal.
Highly recommended great trip to Kapiti.
NZtouristinNZ,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fabulous experience our guide Tim was amazing the stories and facts he shared with us gave the visit so much more context. The island is amazing to see the vegetarian regenerating and so many birds. Remember to stop and just chill
A special place
845lorraineh,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day out. The island is full of birdsong and feels very remote and special. Lovely knowledgable staff, a day to remember
Excellent experience & hospitality. Do this!
lizl987,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome Manaakitanga, nga mihi nui Kaiarahi/guides for a fabulous day on beautiful Kapiti Is. You are such great ambassadors for the island, its unique nature & tangata whenua (people). Warm, welcoming & excellent hosts/storytellers, the food was fabulous too. Don’t hesitate to add this experience to your Aotearoa NZ must-do list. One of the best day trips I’ve ever done. Thank you ….from a fellow NZ tourism operator.
Long overdue Kāpiti Island viait
Camper88338,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife, daughter and I had a wonderful time on the visit. The island is beautiful and we weren’t prepared for the variety and harmony from the bird population, it was lovely. Everything’s in great condition and the personnel were very friendly and instructive. Tamati on the boat was a laugh and our guide on the island was very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend taking this trip.
Fabulous experience
Barb OK2014,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had tried to visit from the US in 2023 and the weather prevented us from going. We came back and it was so worth it. The guide taught us a lot, then let us explore on our own. After we hiked around we all met at the lodge for a delicious lunch. We saw many birds, heard many more, and loved being there.
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Operated by Kapiti Island Nature Tours