Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
KAPITI ISLAND
Kapiti Island is the coastline's dominant feature, a 10km by 2km slice that since 1897 has been a protected re-
serve. Largely predator-free since 1998, it is home to a remarkable range and number of birds including many
species that are now rare or extinct on the mainland.
The island is open to visitors, limited each day to 100 at
Rangatira
, where you can hike up to the 521m high
point, Tuteremoana; and 60 visitors at the
northern end
, which has short, gentle walks to viewpoints and around
a lagoon.
To visit the island, you must make your arrangements in advance with one of three licensed operators. Remem-
ber to reconfirm your arrangements on the morning of departure, as sailings are weather-dependent. All boats de-
part from Paraparaumu Beach, which can be reached by train. Services are provided by
Kapiti Marine Charter
(
027 442 4850, 04-297 2585;
www.kapitimarinecharter.co.nz
;
adult/child $95/55);
Kapiti Tours
( 0800
527 484, 04-237 7965;
www.ngatitoakapititours.co.nz
; adult/child $105/65); and
Kapiti Island Nature Tours
(
021 126 7525, 06-362 6606;
www.kapitiislandnaturetours.co.nz
; boat transport adult/child $95/55), run by
the Barrett and Clark
whanau
(family), who have a long-standing connection to the island. The latter offers day
tours as well as a very special overnight stay (adult/child from $369/215), which includes an introduction to wild-
life, history and Maori traditions, but also an after-dark walk in the bush to spot the cutest-ever bird, the rare little
spotted kiwi. The price includes lodge accommodation in sole-occupancy rooms or bunk houses, with meals in-
cluded.
More information can be found in the Department of Conservation (DOC)
Kapiti Island Nature Reserve
bro-
chure or in person at the DOC Wellington Visitor Centre (
Click here
).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Waikanae & Around
Heading north beyond Paekakariki, it's not long before it's time to slow down for another
Kapiti Coast town. The first is
Paraparaumu
(population 17,190), the region's major com-
mercial and residential hot spot. The town has two hubs: the main town on the highway,
with shopping galore, and Paraparaumu Beach with its waterside park and walkway, de-
cent swimming and other beachy attractions, including the stunning view out to Kapiti Is-
land. The correct pronunciation is 'Pah-ra-pah-ra-oo-moo', meaning 'scraps from an
oven', which is said to have originated when a Maori war party attacked the settlement
and found only scraps of food remaining. It's a bit of a mouthful to pronounce; locals usu-
ally just corrupt it into 'Para-par-am'.
Around 15 minutes' drive (20km) north of Paraparamu is
Waikanae
(population 10,640),
traditionally a retirees' favourite but in contemporary times a growing, go-ahead town en-
couraged by first-time-home-buyer flight from Wellington city. It's a pleasant and sunny
seaside town, and a rewarding stop for some salt-tinged R&R.
