10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Kapiti Coast That You Shouldn't Miss

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand's most visited places for bird watchers. It is an internationally renowned sanctuary and is blessed with an abundance of native and endangered species like Little Spotted Kiwi, Takahe, and the cheeky Kaka who have not survived so well on the mainland. This nature-inspired setting is the perfect place to experience New Zealand's native birds in their natural environment. Kapiti Island is just 40 minutes north of Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Activities include half and full day nature tours, overnight Kiwi spotting and rare bird tours. The Maori hospitality you will experience on Kapiti Island - one of New Zealand's most precious nature reserves - is unsurpassed.

Experience the trip of a lift time to one of New Zealand's conversation jewels; Kapiti Island. Soak up the beauty, hear the stories of the Ngati Toa Maori people, spot whales and sea birds, native birds in their natural environment free of predators such as rats, stoats and possums. Feel like you have like you have been taken back in time as you walk through stunning native bush spotting rare native birds found nowhere else in the world. You will see birds which are on the brink of extinction. Ko te Waewae Kapiti o Tara Raua ko Rangitane, "Kapiti Island" Ancestral home of Ngati Toa Rangitira, Tangata Whenua and Kiatiaki of this beautiful land. Translated this means boundaries between the Ngai Tara and Rangitane tribal lands Sit on the beach in peace and admire the rugged coastline or swim in the Kapiti Marine reserve, picnic on the lawn or down the beach. The choice is yours

Discover "A Real KIWI Nature Experience" on the Kapiti Coast, within easy reach of Wellington. A diverse range of native animals & over 700 plant species. Nga Manu Nature Reserve offers you a unique opportunity to have a hands-on experience with nature. It is a 'must see' attraction for all local families and tourists visiting the Wellington region. There are 13 hectares for you to explore, including the largest remnant of original lowland coastal swamp forest on the stunning Kapiti Coast. The animal life at Nga Manu is a mix of both wild and enclosed species. Get up close to the iconic New Zealand Kiwi in the Nocturnal house and discover New Zealand's unique prehistoric reptile- the Tuatara. Meet the friendly Kea, Tui, Fantail, Kereru and Kaka. Over 56 different bird species come and go around the wetlands, bush and surroundings. All pathways are easily walked and are wheelchair and pushchair friendly (a wheelchair is available on site - we recommend that those in a wheelchair come with a friend who can assist with the aviary double doors). There are seating and picnic spots throughout the reserve including a BBQ facility and area. Follow the staff on our 'Bird Feeding Tour' at 11 am daily or take part in our Eel Feeding at 2 pm daily. We have a free guided bush walk and talk on weekends over the summer period and public holidays. We are flexible with your requirements, catering for individuals and groups, as well as hosting educational programs for visiting school groups in our Conservation Education Centre. If you have a special request please ask and we will work with you to create the best experience. We are able to provide personalised guided tours, catered lectures and a unique celebration or wedding venue.

Queen Elizabeth Park is the last area of natural dunes on Kapiti's coastline. Once part of a swathe of duneland stretching from Paekakariki to Foxton, the park reminds us how the coastline appeared before large-scale human settlement. Greater Wellington Regional Council is working with the community to protect and enhance this environment while providing a great place to enjoy the outdoors. With its 650 hectares of easy terrain edged by a sandy beach, Queen Elizabeth Park has plenty of space to enjoy swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, horseriding, picnics or group activities. The park is steeped in history including pa sites at Whareroa and Wainui beaches and evidence of the 20,000 strong US marine camps from World War II The Tramway Museum is situated near the MacKays Crossing entrance, with historic trams running on the 2km line to Whareroa Beach.