Overnight Experience Tour on Kapiti Island
Overview
Available languages
48 hours
Mobile ticket
Just off the Kapiti Coast is Kapiti Island, a bird and nature sanctuary free of predators and pests. This overnight experience offers the one-of-a-kind opportunity to stay overnight on the otherwise uninhabited island. Try one of the island’s many walking tracks and spot native birds in the canopy. Later, enjoy drinks & nibbles followed by a chef-prepared meal, then head out for a guided night walk to see & hear the island come alive in a different way.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please contact us between 7-7:15am on the day of your tour to confirm your check in time and that the tour is going ahead. Ph: 0800 527 484.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kapiti Island - visit Rangatira Point
Accommodations
Stay overnight in one of our comfy cabins.
Food and Drinks
DINNER
Dinner
Delicious local kai (food), includes pre-dinner drinks & nibbles.
LUNCH
Lunch
A yummy packed lunch from a local cafe.
Kapiti Island
Our overnight experience package is all-inclusive and gives you 2 full days on the island. We’ll have a yummy packed lunch waiting for you at check-in, then you'll be met by an experienced local guide at Rangatira in the middle of the island. Your guide will walk with you, share the rich human and ecological stories, and help you identify the flora and fauna around you. From the arrival of the first Māori to the eradication of the last rat, we will take you through the history of this land. At Rangatira you will also have the chance to climb Kapiti's highest peak, Tuteremoana, or explore the lower tracks through established New Zealand forest. In the afternoon you'll be transported to Waiorua, where you'll spend the night at the lodge. You'll be treated to local beer and wine, and a delicious home cooked meal before heading out after dark on a guided night walk. Staying in a cosy cabin, you'll fall asleep to the sound of calling Kiwi and Weka, Kaka and Ruru.
Kapiti Island - explore Waiorua
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Kapiti Island
A hot breakfast and fresh coffee will help you experience the world come alive as you watch the sunrise over Waiorua Bay, on one of the oldest sanctuaries in the world. You'll spend your second day exploring the Waiorua tracks, with a coastal or hill walk available. After a hot lunch at the lodge, you'll depart Kapiti in the afternoon of day 2. Please note: the coastal walk is generally closed between 1 October & 31 March due to nesting seabirds.
What‘s Included
Return ferry transportation from Paraparaumu Beach to Kapiti Island
Guided night walk: Experience NZ wildlife by night looking for ruru, korora & Kiwi pukpuku
An introductory talk from an experienced and passionate local guide
Department of Conservation permits
Dinner
Breakfast
Overnight stay (choose your accommodation - cabin, tent or ensuite) - each option has its own rate.
Entry / Admission - Kapiti Island
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities (not required)
Options
Overnight experience - Ensuite
Overnight Experience - Cabin
Cabin accommodation: An all-inclusive overnight tour to Kapiti Island staying in Cabin Accommodation.
Overnight Experience - Tent
Glamping Tent
Reviews
443 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Birdsong day and night - a wonderful experience not to be missed
PiaE,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We started out with some rain but the birds were still singing. Hiking to the Hihi feeder was quite a bit up the hill but totally worth it. One of my favourite parts sitting there and listening and watching the birds. Then the next part to the top was not too steep anymore. Unfortunately it was totally foggy at the top. By them time we arrived back down at the centre, the sun has come out. Kakariki, Tieke, Tuis and Bellbirds were busy entertaining us. After a short boat ride we arrived at the lodge where we had a warm welcome and learned lots of interesting facts about the Māori and Kapiti Motu. During drinks and nibbles we got to know other people from the group. After a very nice dinner and amazing fresh bread we headed out for our kiwi spotting. Another highlight, despite not seeing one, but they were nearby and we could hear them and some people in the group did spot some. During the night we got woken up by noisy penguins nearby, weka screeching and kiwis calling. At breakfast we got informed that we had to return back to the mainland early due to bad weather arriving. We were all be bit sad, but got a voucher to come back another time. I can't remember our guides name, but she was amazing and had great knowledge. Nga mihi nui and I look forward to our second trip to Kapiti Island.
Unforgettable overnight stay on Kāpiti island
875alannahg,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would like to say a huge thank you to Pānia, Linda, Ben and the crew who went out of their way to make our overnight stay memorable and precious. Kāpiti island absolutely blew our minds! From the humour of the crew, to the beauty of the landscape and the sounds of the wildlife, it was all amazing and a memory we will cherish until the end. We swam with jellyfish large and small. We played bird bingo. We went Kiwi spotting at dusk. We got up early and watched the most spectacular sunrise. We ate the most delicious food courtesy of Ben, the chef on the island. We will talk fondly about our stay for many years to come. Ngā mihi nui <3
Fabulous place for a solo traveller!
Seaside04962210829,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My client (who was travelling alone) absolutely loved her time on kapiti island. The hospitality was outstanding, the team really looked after her and she thoroughly enjoyed her overnight experience, thank you!
Great nature experience!
khuget,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this glamping experience. While we didn’t see a kiwi on our guided night walk, we did see one later that night. Recommend that you take a red light flashlight so can continue searching into the night. The KaKa and Weka are numerous. They also have 2 Takahe on the island. A few in our group saw them, but not everyone. The hikes are worthwhile and we enjoyed the food and snacks. We had a great time and would definitely return.
Manakitanga to the max!!
Sandy S,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was fantastic. From booking through to our farewells we were treated so well. Not only did we see some amazing birdlife but we were treated to great hospitality by the whanau who run the business. The manakitanga was palpable!! You are a credit to your tupuna who ensured the land was kept in your hands.
Amazing hospitality
Go65353723395,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible experience that we feel very fortunate to have undertaken. The manaakitanga/hospitality was amazing, the story telling and knowledge of the environment and history was really engaging and the general experience was so wonderful. We went with our three young children who loved their time on Kāpiti. You could do things at your own pace and the food was next level. Even though things didn't go to plan, thanks to mechanical issues, we still had a wonderful time and felt taken care of. We are looking forward to coming back again.
Can’t wait to come back!
Fearless24594913050,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wish we could have stayed longer. We hiked, we swam, we saw all sorts of beautiful birds, got a close encounter with kākā, we read, we relaxed. Next level hospitality from Pānia and the crew. Can’t wait to come back!
Great experience: staying surrounded by nature
dorinewerkhoven,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time at Kapiti Island. Everything was perfectly taken care of. The lodge is beautifully situated on a private part of the island. The nature around the lodge is very beautiful. We enjoyed the many birds including the rare Takahe and Kiwi.
Magic
CarolineP795,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enchanting and unique experience. The birds and the history of Kapiti are fascinating and generously shared but the highlight for me was the way we were hosted - fun, laughing, welcoming, knowledgeable, caring and delightful team. Thankyou all and forgive my spelling and the names I didn’t learn - Tamihana (superb story teller of island history), our boat crew and captain (Kia Ora!), Piki, little Aria, Pania, Bo. You’re all The Cats PJs.
The perfect weekend getaway
Compass15585740435,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing weekend away, lost in nature, walks, birdlife and the most easy going atmosphere. Our hosts were amazing. Food, and lovely clean accommodation. Loved the experience and the just an opportunity to get out of town and be lost in nature.
From NZ$669.00
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Operated by Kapiti Island Nature Tours