Kapiti Island Nature Reserve

One of New Zealand's oldest and most important nature reserves, 5 km off the coast near Paraparaumu. The island is pest-free, and it's home to rare birds that are hard to see anywhere else: takahē, kōkako, tīeke (saddleback), hihi (stitchbird) and little spotted kiwi, as well as huge numbers of kākā, tūī, bellbirds and kererū.

Visits must be booked with the licensed boat operators, who include your landing permit; trips are weather dependent. There's a steep walk to the summit (521 m) with sweeping views, and gentler coastal tracks. Bring binoculars: the birds are the reason to come. For the full experience, stay overnight at the lodge at the north end and join a night walk to look for kiwi.

Boats leave from the beach next to the Kāpiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach. Your bags are checked for pests before you board.