Wellington New Zealand

Creating a place where endangered species can once again thrive has also created a rare experience for the small number of people who are allowed to visit Kapiti Island each day.

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve is ten kilometres long and two kilometres wide. Visitor numbers are strictly limited - access is only by licensed launch and a landing permit from the Department of Conservation is required. For a summer visit, you'll need to apply for a permit one to two months ahead.

Your launch departs from Paraparaumu Beach, 50 kilometres north of Wellington by car, coach or train. You’ll skim for 15 minutes across the surface of the marine reserve that lies between the mainland and Kapiti Island.

As you approach the island that was very important to pre-European Maori, and later the rugged whalers and farmers from around the globe, you’ll feel today’s world slowly diminishing like the cliffs of the mainland behind you. Stepping ashore you’ll begin to understand what it takes to maintain a land before time. Having eradicated all mammalian predators, and fostered the restoration of the once giant rainforests, today’s guardians of the island are not about to let this work be undone. Visitors’ luggage is inspected for small stowaways, and smoking is only permitted under supervision at the water’s edge. Guided walks can emphasise either the natural history or the cultural history of the island - you choose.

Kapiti Island is now one of New Zealand’s most important sites for bird recovery. Stitchbird, kokako, takahe, brown teal, and saddleback have all been transferred to Kapiti since the 1980s. Earlier releases (1890s to 1910s) included two types of kiwi and weka. The little spotted kiwi thrives on Kapiti Island.

As you’d expect, the island is also home to dense populations of less endangered native and marine birds. Having grown-up on the island they’re blissfully unaware of predators, and they’ll show you a level of trust seldom experienced by humans.

Equipped with the fresh knowledge from your professionally guided walk, you’ll have the opportunity to leave your small group and explore the island on your own.

The Kapiti Coast, also known as the Nature Coast, is blessed with superb natural assets, treasured historical heritage, a thriving cultural life, an abundance of fresh produce and outstanding food products. These are all within easy reach of New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, which is approximate 50 minute drive to the south. Bounded by the Tasman Sea to the west and the bush-clad Tararua Ranges to the east, the Nature Coast offers a wide range of visitor attractions and facilities in a compact and highly accessible area.

Waikanae is a popular place for retirement and beach holidays. The wide Tasman Sea surf beach is great for swimming and long beachcombing sessions. The local nature reserve provides a unique opportunity to learn about the natural history of New Zealand. It takes a couple of hours to explore the well-maintained pathways. The Waikanae River, to the south of the town, has swimming holes, walkways and popular whitebaiting spots. There are many artists living in the area; it’s fun to browse the galleries. Waikanae has a comprehensive shopping centre.

As the main town on the Kapiti Coast, Paraparaumu has plenty of everything for travellers. The shopping centre has more than 50 stores, as well as banks, supermarkets and cinemas. North of the town is a farm park where you’ll find farm shows and gourmet food producers (cheese, olives, honey, ice cream and other treats). Paraparaumu Beach is the launching spot for trips to Kapiti Island. Trips to the island need to be booked at the Department of Conservation in Wellington. The Kapiti Aero Club is the place to source scenic flights and glider rides. If you love old vehicles, the local car museum has one of the largest collections in Australasia. 

One of the four cities that make up the Wellington region, Upper Hutt is set against forested hills alongside the Hutt River. Even though it flows through a city, the river is clean and clear enough for trout fishing. Activities in and around Upper Hutt focus on the beautiful outdoor environment. Many of the forest walkways are open to mountain bikers. The city is renowned for its parks and recreation areas, including an award-winning skate park, a wildlife park and a large aquatic fun centre. As you’d expect from a city of this size, there’s plenty of accommodation, restaurants and shopping. 

Lower Hutt is part of Hutt City, which is included in the Wellington region. The area has a long history of settlement. For many years, the coastal suburb of Petone was a focus for light industry. The Petone Settlers Museum is nationally acclaimed for its collection and entertainment value. Lower Hutt is also known for the Dowse Art Museum, which exhibits both national and international art works. The Maori Treasures Complex is another place of interest – you can learn about Maori culture through exhibits and live demonstrations. Visitors to Lower Hutt often enjoy the drive around the bays to Eastbourne, where cafés and galleries make the most of sea views.

Porirua offers culture and breathtaking rural scenery, just a short distance from downtown Wellington. The city is located on the Kapiti Coast, just 15 minutes north of Wellington and within easy reach of airports and State Highway 1. Extending from Kenepuru Drive in the south to Pukerua Bay in the north, Porirua is a young city with a reputation for energy, creativity and talent.

Many well-known New Zealanders hail from here, including film-maker Peter Jackson, golfer Michael Campbell, writer Patricia Grace, rugby player Jerry Collins, poet Sam Hunt, entertainer Gary McCormick, and yachtie Russell Coutts.

The city is located in a stunning natural environment, close to the sea and surrounded by rolling hillside, with easy access to numerous reserves and parks, walkways and mountain bike tracks.

Those in search of both adventure and leisure experiences have much to discover here. Visitors can scuba dive in waters that professionals say are better than the Great Barrier Reef, fish for groper off the western reefs, windsurf, kayak, sail, mountain bike, horse ride or play a round of golf.

Porirua is rich in culture. It is proud home of PATAKA, a museum and art gallery dedicated to celebrating the region’s heritage and showcasing the very best in contemporary Maori, Pacific Island and New Zealand art. There are always four or more exhibitions on at once and entry is free.

Porirua is fast gaining a reputation for its retail offer, which includes the bulk retail MegaCentre, the well-established North City Shopping Centre (84 shops all under one roof), the friendly and sometimes quirky shopping Under the Canopies, the Farmer’s Market at Moore Wilson and the vibrant Saturday morning market.

Nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, Wellington offers a chic city experience in a stunning natural setting. Wellington is an incredibly compact city – the best way to discover its magic is on foot. The excitement of the city is only a few minutes from a peaceful walk through native bush or along a golden sand beach. Wellingtonians love their city and region– you will too!

Wellington city is home to more than 300 cafés, bars and restaurants and it rivals the world’s top culinary destinations for flavour and variety. A magnet for creative thinkers, wellington is widely regarded as New Zealand’s arts and culture capital. It is the home of many of the country’s significant arts organisations, and offers a rich variety of exhibitions, theatre, music and opera.

The city is home to Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, which is a world-leader in interactive museum experiences. Te Papa provides a unique insight into the story of New Zealand and all who live here. The country’s historic Parliament Buildings reside in Wellington, and also form a starting point for exploring the country’s nationhood. Wellington became capital of New Zealand in 1865; the third capital of New Zealand after Auckland, and Russell.

Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films showcased Wellington’s stunning natural scenery on the world stage. The city boasts breathtaking nature spots, many within close proximity to the downtown area. One such spot is the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, a conservation attraction that appeals to children and adults alike, where native birds such as the kiwi are being reintroduced into 252 hectares of regenerating native forest.

Close to the downtown area is another popular spot, the Wellington Botanic Garden. The garden is best accessed by the historic Wellington Cable Car, and boasts spectacular views of the city and harbour, as well as picturesque picnic spots.

Downtown Wellington is divided into four compact quarters reflecting the city’s distinct flavours. Lambton tempts with designer fashions and food to match, and surprises with its old world charm. Cuba, the bohemian quarter, captures the city’s creative and artistic pulse. Fast-paced and energetic, Courtenay is the nightlife capital of New Zealand, packed with restaurants, bars, cafés, cinemas and theatres. Wellington’s crowning glory is its Waterfront, which offers adventure activity, leisure experiences and awe-inspiring harbour views.

Cook Strait lies between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. On its the north side stands the city of Wellington; on the south side lie the Marlborough Sounds and Cloudy Bay. In good weather one can clearly see across Cook Strait. At its narrowest point only 23 km separate Cape Terawhiti in the North Island from Perano Head on Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

The Interislander provides a convenient, frequent ferry service for passengers and their vehicles between Wellington, in the North Island, and Picton, in the South Island.

Travel with Interislander and experience one of the most spectacular 3 hour cruises in the world.  In approximately 3 hours you will cruise through the magnificent Wellington Harbour, view the rugged lower North Island coastline, cross Cook Strait, before finally enjoying the peaceful Marlborough Sounds.

Taking your vehicle on-board Interislander's services is easy, convenient and saves you time - just drive on and drive off!

Alternatively you can catch a scheduled air service between Wellington and Golden Bay in Northwest Nelson. You can combine your Cook Strait crossing with a stunning 50 minute flight that takes in the Wellington Coastline, Marlborough Sounds and the inviting golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park. This is a great option for travellers looking for a novel way to cross the Cook Strait.