FAQ's

- Closed on 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th & 31st December 2010 and 1st & 2nd January 2011.

- The ferry transport departs from Kapiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach.

- Cost excludes ferry transport (ferry fares are:  $55 adult, $30 child, infant under *5 yrs foc - *conditions apply).  Ferry payment to be made to the skipper by cash or cheque upon embarkation.

- Permits to enter the Department of Conservation land on either side of our lodge area are required.  A permit is also required from the local council/authority (we arrange this).

- Cost excludes DOC permits ($11 adult & $5.00 child 5-17yrs, under 5yrs are free of charge but still require a permit) - this cost is for 1 permit, every person visiting Kapiti Island requires a DOC permit.  If you visit both the Nature Reserve (half way along the island) and the North End Crown Land (where our lodge is located) you will need 2 DOC permits.  To obtain these permits phone: (04) 384 7770 or email: wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz You can book your Rangatira permit direct online: http://booking.doc.govt.nz/Menu.aspx?sg=KAP

- Ferries depart for the island at 9am or 2:30pm daily (subject to numbers and subject to good sailing conditions).  Sailing time is 15 minutes each way.

- We recommend visitors to our Nature Lodge also first visit the DOC Nature Reserve (9am sailing).  This is located at a different part of the island and requires visitors to spend the bulk of their first day there, before being ferried at 3pm to our lodge facility (North End).

 - Payments......we accept payment by cash, cheque, direct into our bank account, MasterCard or Visa card (zip zap machine).  We do not have an eftpos facility on the island.

- We provide clean linen and bedding.  Please bring your own toiletries, towels and washing needs.

- How many day tour visitors....24

- How many overnight visitors...10

- What are the walk options?   3 tracks, ranging from flat easy walking (1.5hours) to 3 hour high hill walk (low difficulty).  Great view and good birdlife.

- What other options are available apart from bird watching....fishing, swimming, snorkelling, sea kayaking.

- When is the early morning 'dawn chorus' birdsong at its best?   Usually in August.

- When is the best time to come to see the birds?   Bird activity is great all year round.  Kiwi spotting is easiest in winter when the days are shorter, but all birds are out and about all year.

- What if I/we have special dietary requirements?   If you have special dietary requirements these can be catered for (Please advise when making a reservation).

- Footwear - If the weather has been dry for a week or so before your visit, then strong, heavy- soled running shoes should be adequate for the tracks.  When the weather has been wet, however, you are advised to wear tramping boots.

- Kapiti Island weather patterns:

Summer - December-January-February - high temperatures and sunshine. Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. Summer is an excellent time for walking in the bush, swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, fishing etc...

Autumn - March-April-May - while temperatures are a little cooler than summer, the weather can be excellent, and it is usually warm enough to swim at Kapiti until April.

Winter - June-July-August - colder weather to much of the country, and more rain to most areas in the North Island

Spring - September-October-November - spring weather can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot....buds, blossoms, and other new growth bursts forth.

- Accommodation options:

Sole use of a cabin - you will have the sole use of a 4 bunk cabin.

Twin share - 2 people (same booking) share a 4 bunk cabin.  You will not share the cabin with anyone who is not part of your booking.

Triple share - 3 people (same booking) share a 4 bunk cabin.  You will not share the cabin with anyone who is not part of your booking.

Quad share - 4 people (same booking) share a 4 bunk cabin.  You will not share the cabin with anyone who is not part of your booking.

Ensuite - you will have sole use of a 2 bedroom house (sleeping only).  1 double bed (own room), 1 double bunk bed with single bunk above (own room).  Other features are: lounge (includes lounge suite), dinning table, kitchen (no cooking option), decking, deck chairs & table, toilet, hand basin.  Our chefs prepare buffet meals making best use of fresh, seasonal, local product and seafood.  All dining takes place at the main lodge.