Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Kapiti Coast, North Island

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand's most visited places for bird watchers. It is an internationally renowned sanctuary and is blessed with an abundance of native and endangered species like Little Spotted Kiwi, Takahe, and the cheeky Kaka who have not survived so well on the mainland. This nature-inspired setting is the perfect place to experience New Zealand's native birds in their natural environment. Kapiti Island is just 40 minutes north of Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Activities include half and full day nature tours, overnight Kiwi spotting and rare bird tours. The Maori hospitality you will experience on Kapiti Island - one of New Zealand's most precious nature reserves - is unsurpassed.

Discover "A Real KIWI Nature Experience" on the Kapiti Coast, within easy reach of Wellington. A diverse range of native animals & over 700 plant species. Nga Manu Nature Reserve offers you a unique opportunity to have a hands-on experience with nature. It is a 'must see' attraction for all local families and tourists visiting the Wellington region. There are 13 hectares for you to explore, including the largest remnant of original lowland coastal swamp forest on the stunning Kapiti Coast. The animal life at Nga Manu is a mix of both wild and enclosed species. Get up close to the iconic New Zealand Kiwi in the Nocturnal house and discover New Zealand's unique prehistoric reptile- the Tuatara. Meet the friendly Kea, Tui, Fantail, Kereru and Kaka. Over 56 different bird species come and go around the wetlands, bush and surroundings. All pathways are easily walked and are wheelchair and pushchair friendly (a wheelchair is available on site - we recommend that those in a wheelchair come with a friend who can assist with the aviary double doors). There are seating and picnic spots throughout the reserve including a BBQ facility and area. Follow the staff on our 'Bird Feeding Tour' at 11 am daily or take part in our Eel Feeding at 2 pm daily. We have a free guided bush walk and talk on weekends over the summer period and public holidays. We are flexible with your requirements, catering for individuals and groups, as well as hosting educational programs for visiting school groups in our Conservation Education Centre. If you have a special request please ask and we will work with you to create the best experience. We are able to provide personalised guided tours, catered lectures and a unique celebration or wedding venue.

Tuatara began as a backyard operation in the hills above Waikanae. Founded by Carl Vasta, an engineer with the taste buds of a wine critic. Carl is the living, breathing epitome of "Kiwi ingenuity". If he needed a shed or a bottler or a tank, he’d just go ahead and build one. Before too long, he’d managed to brew a superb range of ales, porters and pilsners for his friends under the name Tuatara. To say that Tuatara Brewery has taken off in the last few years is an understatement. Heck, we’ve been propelled into orbit. We’ve become one of the leading lights in the craft industry. Tuatara Brewing Co's on site Tap Room is a non-pretentious, casual, and relaxed environment. Visit us and taste our superbly fresh range of beer on site in our unique dining and garden bar setting, maybe even a bite to eat or fill a rigger to take home. Now with a plethora of regular gigs and events.

Queen Elizabeth Park is the last area of natural dunes on Kapiti's coastline. Once part of a swathe of duneland stretching from Paekakariki to Foxton, the park reminds us how the coastline appeared before large-scale human settlement. Greater Wellington Regional Council is working with the community to protect and enhance this environment while providing a great place to enjoy the outdoors. With its 650 hectares of easy terrain edged by a sandy beach, Queen Elizabeth Park has plenty of space to enjoy swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, horseriding, picnics or group activities. The park is steeped in history including pa sites at Whareroa and Wainui beaches and evidence of the 20,000 strong US marine camps from World War II The Tramway Museum is situated near the MacKays Crossing entrance, with historic trams running on the 2km line to Whareroa Beach.