The boat journey from the Kapiti Boating Club (at Paraparaumu Beach) takes 15 minutes on one of the two licensed ferry companies.

Boarding the ferries (MV Te Aihe or MV Kiwi Express) in the car park allows for both dry feet and good security.

With the special 'pest and predator free' environment on Kapiti Island, all guests are asked to check their bags for unwanted rodents (i.e. mice) before boarding their ferry.

Short though the boat journey is, it can often be interesting for its marine life as it takes you through the second oldest Marine Reserve in New Zealand. So keep a look out for species like dolphins, whales and seals, together with the seabirds like gannets, penguins, herons and shearwaters. 

Because of the special 'Nature Reserve' location and our high conservation commitment, we require guests to observe certain rules and protocols during their visit.

These have been designed to minimise our impact on the natural environment, and include such things as:

No smoking outside designated areas and no souvenir taking from the island.

These protocols will be explained during the introductory talk, which all guests receive on arrival.

When planning your stay we strongly recommend you also visit the Kapiti Nature Reserve adjacent to our facility.  This would increase your walk and different habitat options, especially for those looking for an extended stay.

Permits to enter the Nature Reserve (maximum 50 people per day) can be obtained from the Department of Conservation (DOC) or phone:  04 384 7770 or book direct online: http://booking.doc.govt.nz/Menu.aspx?sg=KAP   As demand for permits often exceeds availability, especially in the summer season, we recommend you secure the Nature Reserve permit(s) as quickly as possible.

How to get to the ferry - Kapiti Boating Club, Paraparaumu Beach

By Road:

Kapiti Beach Boating Club is located 3km west from State Highway (SH1) along Kapiti Road.   It is approximately 45 minutes drive from Wellington and 1 & 1/4  hour's drive from Palmerston North.

Contact one of the i-SITE offices for detailed bus and train information.

By Bus:

Intercitycoach lines runs a daily bus service from Wellington to Paraparaumu & Palmerston North to Paraparaumu.

Visit www.intercitycoach.co.nz for more information.

By Rail:

Metlink runs a daily train service from Wellington to Paraparaumu & Palmerston North to Paraparaumu.

Visit http://www.metlink.org.nz/section4.php? for more information.

By Air:

Domestic and International Airports are located in Wellington (45 minutes north to Paraparaumu) and Palmerston North (1 & 1/4 hours South to Paraparaumu). Train, bus, and rental car services available in Wellington and Palmerston North.  

We can arrange a shuttle from Wellington if required.  Additional cost applies for the shuttle.