Boulder Bank Loop Track on Kapiti Island

Walking time

45 min

Length

2.1km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Profile

9m highest point

Dogs

About the trail

Boulder Bank Loop Track is a low-lying trail, following the coastline around the boulder bank and Ōkupe Lagoon. Complete the loop by joining the Okupe Valley Loop Track to bring you back to the shelter.

Ōkupe Lagoon is a freshwater habitat for royal spoonbills, herons and the rare brown teal. Around the seasonal coastal track, watch for shags, white-fronted terns, reef herons and oystercatchers.

Getting there

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 train journey from Wellington to Paraparaumu. There are regular train services to Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Line. Check Metlink for timetables.

A family walks through kapiti island with green bush and blue water surrounding them.

Know before you go

Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
A shelter, toilets and picnic facilities are available.
Ensure that your belongings are placed out of reach of weka and kaka - 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.

Rangatira Loop Walk

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsA pleasant, easy stroll on a well-formed trail through regenerating forest and coastal shrubland. Find abundant native birdlife, including the critically endangered takahē.

Trig Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsA challenging and steep climb to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kapiti Island.

Wilkinson Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsClimb this well-formed track to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kapiti Island. Enjoy stunning views of the Kāpiti Coast, South Island, Mt Taranaki, and Mt Ruapehu.

A boat landing on one of the rocky beaches of Kapiti Island.

Beach Landing to Shelter

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsA short access route from the beach landing to the shelter, connecting to the two lower loop tracks at the north end of Kapiti island.

Okupe Valley Loop Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsAn easy loop track through grassland, shrubland and regenerating forest up to the lookout point on Kapiti Island.

A child and adult in the bush looking into the trees and pointing.

Kohekohe Walk

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveHead to Waikanae to walk through one of the largest remaining kohekohe forests in New Zealand.

Waikanae Estuary

Explore the trail through one of New Zealand’s most nationally-significant native habitats, where you can encounter more than 60 species of birds, along with freshwater and marine fish species.