Okupe Valley Loop Track

About the trail 

Okupe Valley Loop Track is an easy 4.8km loop. After arriving on shore at the northern end landing point, you will have a 30-minute introductory talk explaining the history and ecology of the island.

Follow the signpost for the Opuke Valley Loop Track. Walk through grassland, shrubland and regenerating forest up to the lookout point. The lookout at 198 metres elevation has fantastic views of the beautiful, freshwater Ōkupe Lagoon and the western cliffs. The northern end trails have easy walking access to a variety of landscapes from coastal areas to mature forest.

The landscape and views at this end of the island are very different to the nature reserve at Rangatira. As you move inland, takahe, weka, kākāriki, and the North Island robin live in shrubland. See the tūī, bellbirds, kākā, and kererū in the regenerating five finger and mahoe forest, or denser mature kohekohe and tawa bush.

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.

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 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.