Kapiti Marine Reserve

Two areas of sea either side of Kapiti make up Kapiti Marine Reserve, established in 1992. People are welcome to use the reserve for swimming, boating, diving, and other recreational pursuits, but fishing, both recreational and commercial, and the removal of marine life or natural features is strictly forbidden.

What to see

The underwater scenery within the marine reserve is generally regarded as some of the finest in the greater Wellington region and the best way to get close to the marine life is to get into the water. Those with a mask and snorkel could explore the rocks close to the shore off Kapiti Island. Scuba diving is most rewarding on the western side and north end of the island. There are some remarkable natural features, such as the rock archway on the western side of the Island known as the Hole-in-the-Wall. It is also unusual to find the three common marine habitats of the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington region in such a confined area.

The boulder bottom, sheltered reef, and sand bottom habitats are home to a rich variety of marine life. Orange and yellow sponges, some very rare, colour the reefs and seaweed beds.  See kina and paua, starfish, corals, anemones, octopus and reef fish such as butterfish, blue cod and red mullet.

Visitors to Kapiti's exceptionally clear waters include ocean fish like blue moki and kingfish and on occasions rare and subtropical fish such as the spotted black groper, drumfish and magpie perch.