Visiting Kapiti

As Kapiti is reasonably accessible, we must all look after the island very carefully to safeguard it and its valuable wildlife. To ensure that the wildlife is disturbed as little as possible, the number of visitors is regulated by a permit system: Department of Conservation staff live on Kapiti. Their primary role is to protect the island and it's plants and animals. It is their task to oversee and co-ordinate research and conservation activities on the island. Human requirements on the island are seen as secondary to the needs of the birds and the forest. Visitor facilities have been kept to a minimum, with a shelter and toilet at Rangatira.

Footwear

If the weather has been dry for a week or so before your visit, then strong, heavy- soled running shoes should be adequate for the tracks. When the weather has been wet, however, you are advised to wear tramping boots.

Clothing

A light rain proof parka is advised.
swimming togs & towell in case you feel like a swim.

Please leave the island as you found it. If, however, some thoughtless person before you has dropped some litter – why not pick it up? The sad history of devastation of the forest by fire must not be repeated. You may only smoke on the beach with the permission of island staff. Fires, of course, may not be lit anywhere on the island. if you see anything unusual, do not hesitate to tell one of the staff.

Tracks

There are two public tracks on the island. Both Trig and Wilkinson Tracks lead to the summit, and meet almost three-quarters of the way up. The greatest variety of bush birds can be seen along the lower parts of these tracks. From the junction of Trig and Wilkinson Tracks a single track leads to the top where a lookout tower provides spectacular views.  It normally takes about three hours for the return trip, but plan to spend as long as possible climbing to the top. The best way to see and hear birds is to be alone or with a small group of people. Walk slowly and quietly up the track, and stop about every ten or fifteen minutes. If you just sit quietly, you will see and hear birds as they search for food. The best places to observe birds are usually on the crests of ridges or spurs in the sunshine, or near nectar-bearing trees. Trig Track is steep in places, and caution should be exercised when descending – especially when it is wet. Wilkinson Track has an easier grade so many people prefer to go up Trig and down Wilkinson.

Waiorua Block (North End)

Here lies 13 hectares of land which is part privately owned and part crown managed. The Department of Conservation has constructed new walking tracks which give the visitor amazing views back to the mainland and up the coast.  Okupe Lagoon is about 10 minutes walk from the beach at Waiorua Bay and supports many species of waterfowl including some, such as the spotless crake*, that are now quite uncommon on the mainland.

*Please note that they think we need to take the spotless crake out of our working because they never really see it there anymore.