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Kapiti Marine Reserve

Tarakihi, Kapiti Marine Reserve - click for more.
Tarahiki is one of many types of sea life divers and snorkellers can get amongst at Kapiti Marine Reserve.
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Kapiti Island, Waikanae Estuary and the Kapiti Marine Reserve in between create a very rare continuum of protected land, sea and estuary habitats. The island is known as a sanctuary for kiwi, kaka, takahe, and saddleback and the estuary is a feeding ground for birds and a nursery for a variety of fish.

The underwater scenery within the marine reserve is some of the finest in the greater Wellington region. Snorkellers can explore the rocks close to the shore of Kapiti Island. Scuba diving is the most rewarding on the western side and north end of the Island. The boulder bottom, sheltered reef and sandy bottom habitats are home to a rich variety of marine life. Orange and yellow sponges colour the reefs and luxuriant seaweed beds feed kina and paua. Starfish, corals, anemones, octopus and reef fish such as butterfish, blue cod and red mullet are also residents of these waters. Visitors to Kapiti's exceptionally clear waters include ocean fish like blue moki and kingfish; subtropical fish such as the spotted black groper, drumfish and magpie perch might also be seen.

Some wildlife is best viewed from a boat. Fur seals use Arapawaiti at the northern end of the island as a winter hauling ground. Offshore they feed on squid and schooling fish until they migrate south to breed. Whales and dolphins are also regular visitors to these waters.

Waikanae Estuary and Paraparaumu Beach are good places to see wading birds such as variable oyster catchers and banded dotterels, digging for worms and shellfish in the tidal zone. Caspian terns are often encountered. They are the largest of the terns and have a stout red bill. In spring, look closely to see whitebait swimming up the mouth of the Waikanae River.

On the shores of Kapiti Island, which are only accessible by permit, you may see black shags and little shags fanning their wings to dry, or blackbacked gulls nesting on rock stacks during spring and early summer. Little blue penguins cross the beach at night. Their tracks and droppings can often be seen along the beaches. Eagle rays sometimes bask in the shallows close to shore.

Boat services based in the area operate licensed trips to and around Kapiti Island and the reserve. The marine reserve's only point of contact with the mainland is one kilometre of beach at the mouth of the Waikanae River. There are walking tracks through Waikanae Estuary.
 


 
WELLINGTON Region


Contact Details

Contact: Department of Conservation
Phone:
 4 2961 112
Fax: 4 2961 115
Postal: PO Box 141, Waikanae 5250
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/podcover.
aspx?id=33857
Find out more about this scenic highlight from the nearest i-SITE

Kapiti Island is the closest town to this highlight.

In Kapiti Island:

Other towns near Kapiti Island by ferry and road:

Other towns near Kapiti Island by air:

Kapiti Island does not have scheduled passenger air services.

The nearest airport is in Wellington (43 minutes)

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