Explore Kapiti Island’s Natural and Cultural Heritage Like Never Before
Kapiti Island Nature Cruises, the sole tour operator for Kapiti Island, is excited to announce the launch of its newest tour. The Limited Edition Heritage Cruise gives manuhiri (visitors) an opportunity to explore in-depth the exceptional history and nature of Kapiti Island. This new tour is designed to highlight the island’s natural and cultural history and its significant place in the history of the region.
The Limited Edition Heritage Cruise is a full-day tour and includes offshore islands, an archaeological site, Te Rauparaha’s pa site, lunch and a guided walk.
Guests will have the opportunity to try and spot the rare North Island kōkako, and learn more about the island’s conservation history and early Māori settlements.
“We are excited to offer this new heritage tour,” said John Barrett (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa and Ngāti Toarangatira), co-founder of Kapiti Island Nature Tours. “Our manuhiri love hearing about the whānau and conservation stories of Kapiti Island. So we wanted to offer this special, fully guided experience to take them further and deeper into our island’s cultural and natural history.
Some of the highlights of the Limited Edition Heritage Cruise include:
- A cruise past and commentary on three offshore islands: Tokomapuna, Motungarara, and Tahoramaurea.
- A visit to the site of Te Rauparaha’s pa.
- A stop at the offshore Te Kahu o te Rangi archaeological site.
The day begins with the cruise and offshore islands, and then stops at the DOC-managed section of the island so that manuhiri have a chance to spot the rare North Island kōkako. Following this, they will have lunch at Waiorua Beach, hosted by the whānau-run Kapiti Island Nature Tours team. In the afternoon, manuhiri will join their expert guide for a walk to the northern end of the island, where there is a lagoon habitat and another chance to spot rare and endangered birds.
Ferry Arriving at Wairua Bay, Kapiti Island Credit: Roady
The tour starts at 9.15am at the Kapiti Island Nature Tours office, 29 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach. The tour returns to Paraparaumu Beach at approx. 4.30pm.
Tour dates:
27 October
24 November
15 December
26 January
8 February
Tour Price:
Adult, $325
Child, $120
Booking Information:
Now open for bookings. The first departure is scheduled for 27 October. For more details and to reserve your spot get in touch with the Kapiti Island Nature Tours team.
The Limited Edition Heritage Cruise includes:
🧺Lunch, tea & coffee
🛥Return ferry rides
🌿DOC permit
🦜Rare and beautiful birds to spot
📸Stunning views
👍Memories of a lifetime
This tour is perfect for families, couples and friends. The tour is 50/50 cruise and land-based, with an easy-to-moderate walk in the afternoon.
About Kapiti Island Nature Tours:
Kapiti Island Nature Tours was co-founded by John Barrett. He is Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa and Ngāti Toarangatira. His grandmother inherited the farm on Kapiti Island from her father, Wi Parata te Kahakura, and held a kaitiaki role. In 1999 John and his sister Amo founded Kapiti Island Nature Tours after seeing how much their own friends and whānau enjoyed visiting and exploring the island. He has dedicated much of his life to building Kapiti island Nature Tours into what it is today.