Ultimate Explorer: Kapiti Island Overnight Experience - Glamping

Tents available from 28th September 2024.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from overseas, seeing Kiwi in their natural habitat is an experience not to be missed. Kapiti Island is home to over 1,200 Little Spotted Kiwi, making it the most prolific population to be found, and one of the best opportunities to see them in the wild. 

Spend the night and enjoy our famous hospitality and delicious meals, surrounded by stunning native bush and some of our most rare and beautiful native birds.

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. 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. 

You'll spend the night close to nature in a glamping tent. With canvas as the only thing separating you from the sounds of the forest, you can experience the night time noises of Kiwi and the dawn chorus of a predator free environment from the comfort of a queen bed. A hot breakfast and fresh coffee will help you experience the world come alive as you watch the sun rise 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. 

Leave us a note in the “Special Requirements” field if you’d like a different arrival or departure time - we can also offer an afternoon arrival, or morning departure.

Please note: the coastal walk is generally closed between 1 October & 31 March due to nesting seabirds.

WHAT TO BRING

• A water bottle

• Sturdy footwear - sneakers, hiking boots or sport sandals

• A sunhat & jacket - suitable clothing for changeable weather conditions

• A separate small overnight bag with your essentials (we supply towels & linens) - this will be delivered straight to the lodge for you.

• Your camera!
  
  

WHERE TO MEET

Check in at 29 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach, 20 - 40 minutes before your tour start time.