Kapiti Island
Kapiti Island is one of the many and one of the oldest offshore reserves in New Zealand measuring roughly 10 by 2km and lies approximately 5km of the coast. Most of the island was declared a reserve with purpose to provide a habitat for New Zealand at risk species, of which many are already extinct on the mainland. The first pest free stage was achieved in 1999, when the Island was declared free of pest species, including rats, cats, possums, sheep, dogs, and mustelids. Effective monitoring, trapping and baiting programs are in place to maintain its pest free status.
A smaller part of the island (approximately 20 ha) is owned by the Barrett family. The Barrett whānau have been on Kāpiti Island since their ancestor arrived with Te Rauparaha in the 1820s. Two centuries later, the family is still going strong, caring for its land and operating the Kāpiti Island Nature Tours and accommodation.
