Wilkinson Track

The Wilkinson Track offers a steady, uphill climb through native bush to Tūteremoana — the highest point on Kapiti Island at 521m. The well-formed track is suitable for most fitness levels and rewards walkers with sweeping summit views.

About a third of the way up, you’ll pass a picnic area and hīhī feeding station, where you can pause and watch these rare and lively birds in their natural habitat.

After reaching the summit, take a well-earned rest and soak up the panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see the Kāpiti Coast, the Kaikōura Ranges across the Cook Strait, and even Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu on the horizon.

• You can only visit Kapiti Island through Kapiti Island Nature Tours. Boat trips and tours leave from Kāpiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach. This is a popular destination so book in advance.
• It's a 45 minute drive or hour train journey from Wellington to Paraparaumu. There are regular train services to Paraparaumu on the Kāpiti Line. Check Metlink for timetables.

• Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
• A shelter, toilets and picnic tables are available on Kapiti Island.
• Ensure that your belongings are placed out of reach of weka and kākā — they are very inquisitive and are experts at getting into bags.
• Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food, and water.
• Be ready to leave the island at the departure time announced by your boat skipper.
• Everything on the island is protected, and nothing may be removed. This includes plant material, insects, lizards, birds, feathers and shells.
• Do not feed birds and other wildlife.
• Remove all your rubbish from the island. Carry out what you carry in.
• Keep to the marked tracks.
• Biosecurity rules require food to be carried in sealed containers, rubbish taken out with you and all your gear checked prior to departure.