Kapiti Marine Reserve—the fourth marine reserve established in New Zealand—was implemented in 1992 to protect nationally significant recreation, education, ecological and scientific resources, including some of the finest underwater scenery in the Wellington region.
Where is the Kapiti Marine Reserve?
North Island of New Zealand
Kapiti Marine Reserve is a protected area on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It lies between Paraparaumu and Waikanae beaches and Kapiti Island and is 30 kilometres north of the capital city Wellington.
How far is Kapiti Island Offshore?
about 5 km
Kapiti Island ([kɑːpiti]) is an island about 5 km (3 mi) off the west coast of the lower North Island of New Zealand.
Can you dive at Kapiti Island?
Diving and snorkelling On the exposed seaward side of the island, the reef extends to 25 m and divers can pass through the underwater Hole-in-the-Wall. Kapiti’s waters include reef fish like blue moki, kingfish and various rays and sometimes rare and subtropical fish such as the spotted black groper.
How many Kiwis are on Kapiti Island?
1,200
Kapiti Island is home to over 1,200 Little Spotted Kiwi (LSK), making it the most prolific population of LS Kiwi to be found, and one of the most reliable opportunities to see them in the wild.
Is pukerua Bay a marine reserve?
Pukerua Bay is a charming coastal village located only 30 minutes drive north of Wellington on State Highway 1. The coastal zone is a ‘closed for harvest’ marine reserve and ideal habitat for rock lobsters, paua, kina, and other marine life.
Can you kayak to Kapiti Island?
Access by permit only Private boats, kayaks, jet-skis, paddleboards, swimmers and any other form of private vessel must not land at Kapiti Island Nature Reserve. No one can land on the island without a permit.
Are there kakapo on Kapiti Island?
Birdlife. Kapiti Island is now one of the nation’s most important sites for bird recovery. Other birds you are likely to see in the bush include kereru (NZ pigeon), North Island tomtit, kaka, whitehead, tui, fantail, long-tailed cuckoo (in summer only) and silvereye.
Is Kapiti Island a volcano?
Kapiti Island is the summit of a submerged mountain range created by earthquakes 200 million years ago.
Can you fish at Pukerua Bay?
Pukerua Bay & Plimmerton Coastline Boat Fishing Boat fishing for Snapper, Trevally, Tarakihi etc, with Snapper being our targeted fish. The outgoing tide is preferred as the water is warmer from the north; if you get your timing right you can fish in winds of up to 15 knots quite easily.
Kapiti Marine Reserve is 30 km from Wellington city and is located between Paraparaumu and Waikanae beaches and Kapiti Island. The marine reserve touches the mainland at the Waikanae River mouth. Foot access to the reserve is from Waikanae Beach or Paraparaumu Beach on either side of the Waikanae Estuary and river mouth.
Can you go fishing on Kapiti Island?
The area around Kapiti Island provides good fishing – but you must stay clear of the reserves which are there to allow the fish to breed. You may not land on Kapiti Island without permission because of its status as a nature reserve.
Where is the best place to go whitebaiting on the Kapiti Coast?
The Kapiti Coast has a good range of coastal streams and rivers, as well as coastal lagoons, that provide good whitebaiting opportunities. The lagoon on the northern side of the Otaki River provides the perfectly sheltered space for whitebaiting and often produces significant catches.
Where are the best places to go fishing in New Zealand?
Kapiti Island is a top fishing location with the reefs around the island’s southern end providing some great areas to target kingfish from October to April. Kapiti offers some shelter along the coastline, and while part of the island is a marine reserve, much of the shoreline in the lee of the island is fishable.
