Kapiti Island Nature Tours — Hotel in North Island

I was lucky enough to spend a night n Kapiti Island with this fantastic Family business. I had always wanted to visit Kapiti Island since a child, looking at it over the 11km stretch of sea every day. This tour was superb. After a biosecurity check for pests in our luggage, we boarded a sturdy boat ON LAND!! and were towed into the water by a huge tractor - didn't even get our feet wet! a 15 zoom across the sea took us to Rangatira Bay where our capable and knowledgeable guide Graham gave us a comprehensive talk about the history, birdlife and pants of the island. I opted for a guided tour and was delighted to learn about the plants of the island, the Maori history and the reptiles and birdlife. Graham heled me learn the calls of birds I would see later on my trek to the island top as well as plant and reptile identification. My partner and I were the only ones who opted for the tour which was great for us, but sad for all those NZers who missed out on this wonderful opportunity to learn so much. The walk to the top was worthwhile, though a misty day so views were limited. Midafternoon had us reboard the boat to be taken to the northern end of the isalnd for an overnight "glamping" with the Barrett family. An idyllic setting, our glamper "tent", more like a canvas bedroom!! was in the g=heart of regenrated bush, wright on a kiwi "patrol" route. This meant the night was noisy, but we were full of wonder as weka and kiwi strolled right on by! Kaka, Kereru, Tieke (saddle backs) , Korora ( little blue penguins) Tui, Kopere ( bell birds), fantail were riotously abundant, sitting but a meter from us with no fear. A fabulous evening meal follwed predinner drinks and nibbles, all cook on a firewood fed oven. Pania our host for the weekend, was an inspirational human being. A young mum and sportswoman, she is passionate about her land, her tupuna ( ancestors) and taonga ( natural treasures) and she shared this passion willingness always on hand to answer little questions or explain the big picture view. If you are a New Zealander and you can afford this experience GO THERE!||||Swims in the bay, hot showers, bottomless cups of coffee, fruit, baking, even kayaks and hot tubs! All there for your enjoyment. I was to busy off to find more birds at the rugged north coast end of the island and was able to see Black Backed gull chicks, torea pango as well as multiple species of birds at he inland lagoon.||||I have rarely stayed in motels and hotels in my time. I am not the type of person to go on a guided tour, preferring to throw on a pair of boots, grab a backpack and head to the hills or coast. So this was a Post Covid extravagance for me, with availability due to lower visitor numbers in Aotearoa NZ. I can not recommended this adventure more highly. A wonderful treat. An opportunity to share our taonga in partnership with manawhenua. To the Barret...

SERIOUSLY GOOD TIME WAS HAD

Check in at the mainland office Saturday morning with Minnie was smooth and quick, with the walk across to the beach only a couple of minutes. Hopefully this will give you a vibe of the entire overnight stay experience. OK so … did a last min booking because they had a cancellation. Had perfect weather.

The entire trip was seamless from pick up off the beach, then dropped at the south end of the island to climb to the top lookout. (it is a pretty hefty climb but you are surrounded by amazing bush and birdsong every step of the way. Started with the guide (Kerry and Tiffany who were both really informative while also being chilled as… WIN) ) We really took our time to get to the top as we kept stopping to listen and watch the birdlife that were completely un afraid of us so just carried on behaving as they would so that felt REALLY special. The views form the top are huge but sea haze meant we couldn't see the S island that day, then back down to the boat to be transferred to the accomodation at the north end of the island. From here on the entire experience was seamless smooth and incredibly warm.

Manaaki who greets you on the beach and is the central point of contact is … one of the most impressive people I have meet in quite a while on a lot of levels. He is furthering both the ecology of the island, Maori culture and a thriving business at that the same time.

Then transfer to the lodge. Check in: Rose & Julia were on hand and made things easy. We relaxed for an hour…  Now, to THE FOOD… Drinks provided were good local beers and wines, and some great cheeses, Then DINNER The chef, Kake prepared lemon caper warahou, 2 really delicious salads, mixed vegetables and then a desert. (vegetarian and gluten free options were in hand and were apparently very very good as well) The breakfast was cereals, eggs and fruit and yogurt. the fruits were delicious. Lunch was also very very good range of salads a quiche and some chilli chicken (basically every single one of the other guests felt the food was 'great'! I’m sure hunger after a big hike helps a bit, but all in all the food here is really great.

We did a sadly unsuccessful kiwi hunt the first night, but the staff member (again my memory is bad and I've sadly forgotten her name either Bianca & Kiri ) did a great job trying, so hats off!

Second day Breakfast as mentioned, then walked up to the top of the north islands lookout (less hard climb, but still works up a sweat. Great views and some nice bird action but not as densely populated as the south half of the island, then back for a delicious lunch (as mentioned)

We spent the last hours just enjoying the location, and feeling somewhat exhausted from the trekking but very very happy with the experience.

Thanks also to the Boat skipper: Mark on Saturday, Markham on Sunday and the Crew: Maru & Ethan

If...

Would just like to say how much I enjoyed my trip to Kapiti Island on the 17th of February. I was first introduced to Kapiti Island directly in March 1977 when I airlifted some building materials out to the Island. It was the most beautiful day and I have always wanted to go back. Never made it until by chance I overheard a conversation about a group going out and I was able to join in. By sheer chance it was my 70th birthday. My daughter rang with birthday wishes and another of the party heard the call and passed it on. After arriving we all went for a hike and then met for sundowners and snacks around 1830. The people had gone to the trouble of making me a cake and I would like to say thank you for being so thoughtful. It was a very much appreciated gesture. It was a very nice cake too! A very good welcome and briefing by Manaaki, who was our main contact with the tour operators. He's articulate and knowledgeable and a very good front man for the operators. The food and drink was plentiful and good. The evening meal was quite simple and I don't mean that badly at all. Tasty and good food. It is very appropriate accommodation for the Island experience. Snug and sort of mountain lodge experience. The evening kiwi spotting walk was a real experience. I grew up on the West Coast in the 50s and had still not seen kiwi in the wild, but here on Kapiti, they are right in the bushes around the camp. A big thank you to Flora, our lady guide, who was very knowledgeable and good at her job.Next morning, down to Rangatira Point and a hike up the hard way to the trig station and back down the easy way. I knew quite a bit about the Island before I went, but learned a HEAP more while I was there. Lots of birds and lots of really interesting information in what I can best describe as a family atmosphere. Food and service were informal and really good in my view. Very good value for money and yes, it was just as good as I hoped it would be all those years ago. Special thanks to Flora and Manaaki. You two young people made a really good impression and made it a most...