What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Spend some time in paradise

  nicoles357,Mar 31, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Kapiti Island is such a beautiful, peaceful and rejuvenating place. I would highly recommend the overnight experience to relax, unwind and connect with nature.

  

  

  

  

• A Special Experience

  BrisbaneAnne,Mar 23, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had a wonderful overnight experience and so pleased we decided to do this. We were in a Glamping Tent. I think it was the best one as it had a clear view across the valley. The stars were wonderful at night. Although, there were toilets in the main building, I thought our nearby composting toilet was super cute. Kapiti Island was a large rock I saw from the car or train when I was travelling north as a child with my family and as a tertiary level student. It was not a nature reserve then. What a wonderful achievement ... removing the pests, and the natural vegetation and native birds being re established. Beautiful bush and lovely beaches. I have lived in Australia for 40 years and I really enjoyed hearing the Maori language spoken by our Maori guides and staff. It was interesting hearing about the history of the island and they clearly have a great respect for their culture and family/tribe background. I am a keen bird photographer and I enjoyed wandering around the grounds taking photos. A warning that some of the walks are very strenuous. Getting to the Hihi feeder was beyond my knees and I should have stuck to the easier walks which were explained to us. I highly recommend Kapiti Island Nature Tours and the overnight stay.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• A paradise on earth

  540suh,Mar 21, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Kapiti Island Nature Tours does a wonderful job. The staff will introduce you to the nature and history of the island and Maori. Any question is welcome. Many birds to hear and see. All-round catering which was very delicious. It was the best decision to stay overnight because we actually saw a kiwi on a guided tour

  

  

  

• So glad we stayed overnight

  AngeliqueOnTheRocks,Mar 15, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had a fantastic overnight experience in a rustic cabin on Kapiti. From the initial pre booking questions we had with the office staff to the boat captains, tour guides, and lodge hosts, our experience was excellent. We felt welcomed and all shared their passion for the history of this special place and wildlife of the island. The bird watching is incredible and the views breathtaking. The hiking is steep or rocky and rewarding. Special mention to our morning guide Tim and our lodge hosts Pania. Their love of the place shines through and they were so generous with their time and knowledge. Pania went over and beyond in our night hike in search of the elusive spotted Kiwi and took great care that all of the guests in the group had the same experience. Inevitably, there are always some that like to monopolize the front view and she expertly and courteously managed the group and moved around to ensure everyone had a fair shot to key experiences. Maya cooked amazing meals and that was such a surprising bonus to these 2 days. Would love to have the opportunity to visit again.

• Amazing experience!

  annikasB9493MV,Mar 15, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Highly recommend doing an overnight tour to get the most out of your experience on the island. By doing the overnight, you are able to experience two different parts of the island that give you access to some amazing ecosystems and so many cool birds. There are a good selection of walks/hikes depending on your abilities and they all provide good opportunities to see and hear the birds. The accommodations are simple but provide all the necessities and don’t take away from the natural environment. On top of that, you get some really tasty home cooked meals. All the staff were very friendly and kept things on schedule. Our guides were very knowledgeable and really helped us feel connected to the history and culture of the island.

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Away with the birds.

  706AndrewP,Mar 15, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  It's been 26 years since I last visited Kapiti Island, and that was just the day trip. It was fantastic, but I always wanted to return to search for kiwis, so finally booked the overnight experience. It's brilliant. The Lodge isn't glamorous, and nor are the various huts and glamping tents. I was reminded of school camps in the '70's (although this food was incomparably better!) You're there for the birds, and they're everywhere. The Lodge is your base for exploring the north end of the island, after starting at Rangatira Bay in the morning. Shane was a fabulous host at the Lodge, very knowledgeable and engaging. The guides were terrific, especially given it was Yas's first tour. Seeing a kiwi on the night tour is a 50/50 chance, and despite numerous wekas, no kiwis were seen, although we heard plenty. After the hour-long search, you can stay out alone for longer if you wish. I did, and after 30 minutes finally found a kiwi. At breakfast the next morning, another couple also reported seeing one from their cabin verandah. So keep looking - they are there! Kapaiti is a gorgeous island with plenty of walking opportunities and a spectacular western coastline. An overnight stay allows you time to relax into the rhythm of the island a little, consider it's long and varied history, and let the birds come to you. (The robins, wekas and kakas certainly will). Thanks to all the staff for their warm welcomes and generous spirits.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Awesome Overnight Trip

  bcward2017,Mar 12, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  It was awesome! The birds, the forests, the views! People were great, very welcoming and accommodating. Food was fantastic. Tent was very comfortable and sitting on the deck with the view of the forested hillslopes was very relaxing while listening to the birds. We could hear the nighttime birds very well. Definitely would do this again!

• Fabulous...absolutely fabulous!

  Experience593458,Mar 12, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Fabulous...absolutely fabulous! From The check in at the beach to the boat rides to the education, hiking, nocturnal kiwi searching with red flashlights, food. Guests from all over the world added to the experience.

• The best outdoor bird experience imaginable!

  139miyam,Mar 11, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  It was the very best of the outdoor beauty of New Zealand. I learned so much from the guides, the food was delicious, nutritious and well prepared. The knowledge of the guides and support staff was stellar!

• So close, yet so many miss this fantastic experience

  annrF5832AY,Mar 8, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  An amazing experience, with friendly and knowledgeable guides. We were all very well fed and looked after. The glamping tent was fun, the walks fantastic! The only disappointment was not encountering a kiwi, despite fervent attempts by Tanya

  

  
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