Kapiti Island lies about 5km off the west coast of the southern North Island. It is 10km long and about 2km wide, covering and area of 1965 hectares. It’s highest point Tuteremoana is 521 meters (1709 feet) above sea level. Kapiti is one of New Zealand’s nature reserves - it is large island sanctuary for birds. At Kapiti Island human interference is kept to minimum possible and big efforts are made to minimize the adverse effects of any introduced plants or animals on the island.

Kapiti Island provides opportunity for people to observe very rare birds, while some of the species are totally absent from the mainland. Up to 50 people per day may visit Kapiti Island Nature Reserve at Rangatira, and 18 people may visit the north end. All visitors must get a permit to visit the Island from Department of Conservation.

Rangatira has easy tracks going through the forest and you can often see there many different birds such as tui, bellbird, weka, kaka, kereru and North Island robin. Birds such as saddleback, hihi and takahe are also often seen. Along the shoreline at Rangatira, various shag and gull species, white-fronted terns, variable oystercatchers and reef herons can be seen. From Rangatira tracks climb through the forest to the highest point of Kapiti Island - Tuteremoana.

At the North end of Kapiti Island tracks pass through grassland, regenerating forest, shrubland and coastline and provide views of the freshwater Okupe Lagoon. The Okupe Loop Walk will bring you to a nice lookout above the western cliffs (198m). In shrubland and forest birds such as tui, bellbird, weka, kaka, kereru and North Island robin are common. On the lagoon, scaup, grey teal, and black swans are often seen. Royal spoonbills and brown teal are also frequently seen. Along the coast, shag and gull species, white-fronted terns, variable oystercatchers and reef herons can be seen.

Visiting Kapiti Island is a very interesting experience, highly recommended for all birds and nature enthusiasts.