Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand's most valuable nature reserves, and it is the only large island sanctuary for birds between the Hauraki Gulf in the north and New Zealand's southern outlying islands.

Nature reserves are areas set aside for the protection of native plants and animals, where human influence is kept to a minimum. Every effort is made to minimise the adverse effects of any introduced plants or animals that have managed to establish on the island. Most people never get an opportunity to visit nature reserves because access to them is so difficult.

Kapiti is one of a few relatively accessible island nature reserves. It provides an opportunity for people to observe birds that are either very rare or absent from the mainland, and to see the recovery of vegetation after intensive modification during last century.

Private boats are not permitted to land or anchor at the Nature Reserve.

Tracks and walks
Visitors to Kapiti Island have the choice of two locations: Rangatira located near the middle of the island or the north end located at the top of the island.

Rangatira

Visitors to Rangatira can follow short and easy, low-level tracks through the forest to view bird life and see the historic whare.

From the whare, two tracks (Wilkinson and Trig) climb through mature forest to the highest point of Kapiti Island, Tuteremoana (521 m). While both tracks require a steady uphill climb, Wilkinson track has a gentler gradient. The Trig Track is very steep and rugged in places, and requires some level of fitness. Both tracks can be slippery when wet, and require sturdy footwear.

Forest birds, such as tui, bellbird, weka, kaka, kereru, and north Island robin are common. Saddleback, hihi and takahe are often seen. Along the shoreline at Rangatira, various shag and gull species, white-fronted terns, variable oystercatchers and reef herons can be seen.

Facilities available are a shelter and toilets.

North end

Tracks pass through grassland, shrubland, regenerating forest and coastline, and provide views of the freshwater Okupe Lagoon.

A good variety of bird species may be seen. In shrubland and forest, tui, bellbird, weka, kaka, kereru and North Island robin are common. On the lagoon, scaup, grey teal, and black swans are often seen. Royal spoonbills and brown teal are frequently seen. Along the coast, shag and gull species, white-fronted terns, variable oystercatchers and reef herons can be seen.

Facilities available are a shelter and toilets.