A once-in-a-lifetime stay
Why sleep in a hotel when you can spend the night in a world-class bird sanctuary? Kapiti Island is more than a bed for the night, it’s a chance to surround yourself with nature and enjoy genuine Māori hospitality.
Ultimate Explorer Overnight Experience includes:
One night’s accommodation
Guided night walk
Introductory talk with a guide
Chef-prepared lunch & dinner
Evening drinks (beer or wine)
Hot and continental breakfast
Return ferry and all required permits
How it works
Book an Overnight Experience package and choose from three options:
Glamping Tent
Cabin
Self-Contained Cabin
We are the only accommodation provider on Kapiti Island. If you’d like to stay longer than one night, or as a group, please contact us.
Glamping Tent
With canvas as the only thing separating you from the sounds of the forest, you can experience the nighttime calls of Kiwi and the dawn chorus of birdsong from the comfort of a well-appointed tent.
This is a favourite with couples. Enjoy your own secluded corner of paradise, relaxing on the patio with a glass of wine as our chef prepares your evening meal.
Glamping Tent includes:
Queen bed
Shared bathroom
Covered patio
Rates from $1299 per couple
Cabin
With stunning views of the bush-covered hillsides, and a cacophony of native birdsong surrounding you, you’ll feel at home among nature in one of our cosy cabins.
Cabin includes:
Twin beds
Small covered patio
Shared toilet and shower facilities
Single, double, and bunk configurations available.
Rates from $1149 per couple
Self-Contained Cabin
Make yourself at home in our beach bungalow, and enjoy the full ‘Kiwi bach’ (holiday home) experience.
Set in a picturesque spot with priceless ocean views, the cabin is perfect for couples and families with its ensuite bathroom and self-contained kitchen.
Self-Contained Cabin includes:
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom with shower and toilet
Small living area
Patio with beach views
Extra fold-out beds available
Rates from $1399 per couple
Limited availability. This option sells out fast.
Group bookings
& events
Kapiti is a fantastic setting for groups and special events and we host a number of these each year. Ask us about tailoring a solution for your group or whānau.
The Lodge is a great space for events, retreats and celebrations. We can sleep up to 24 guests across our accommodation.
Please call or email us to discuss your needs.
Need to know
Medical and mobility issues
If you or any of your party have any mobility or medical issues or concerns you must inform us when you are booking your trip. This will enable us to assess the trip’s suitability for you and provide additional support if needed. The trails are not paved and require a reasonable level of fitness to complete the tracks and in particular to climb to the highest point.
Boat ramp access
Access to the island is via a ramp and the beach is stony. You will need to be able to walk across an uneven and stony beach. If you have any concerns please ask and we can help you assess the trip’s suitability.
Luggage
You will take your day pack, lunch and drinking water with you while exploring Rangatira on your first day and leave your overnight bag on the boat. Your luggage will be taken up to our lodge at Waiorua - you’ll be transferred there later in the afternoon.
On the island
Shelter and toilets are available on the island and at the lodge. A small selection of gifts and souvenirs are available to purchase at the Lodge.
Bedding & towels
All bedding and towels are provided. Please bring your bathroom essentials.
What to bring
• Drinking water for Day One.
• Sturdy footwear.
• Warm clothing, a hat and a waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly.
Dietary requirements
We can cater to your requirements, so please let us know if you have any on the booking form.
Ferry service
Departures are from Kapiti Boating Club, Paraparaumu Beach.
Health & safety
We will do our best to get you to Kapiti Island, however safety is paramount. We review conditions daily and the ferry skipper may cancel the sailing.
Cancellations
We understand that plans change, so please call or email us if you need to change or cancel your trip. If your trip is cancelled by the ferry skipper you can transfer to another available date or request a refund. See our full cancellation policy here.
Spotting a Kiwi
We can’t guarantee a Kiwi sighting but you’re in the best place in the world to try, with 1,200 Little Spotted Kiwi on the island.
The Coastal Walk
This trail is generally closed between 1 October and 31 March due to nesting seabirds.
