Discover the Rangatira Loop Track on Kāpiti Island
Starting at Rangatira Bay on Kāpiti Island, the Rangatira Loop Track offers an easy and enriching walking experience. This 1.5 km track ascends just 80 metres, making it accessible for most visitors. The track is also historic, featuring a whaling trypot near the visitor shelter and a historic whare (cottage) built in the 1870s. This whare is the oldest surviving building on the island and was repaired in 1906 to serve as a base for Richard Henry, a pioneer in transferring endangered species to remote islands. The loop is also ideal for bird watching, allowing visitors to enjoy the island's rich avian life at a leisurely pace.
Visitor Introduction and Walking Options
Before embarking on the loop, visitors are welcomed by a ranger or guide who provides an introductory kōrero (talk) about the island. This includes an explanation of island tikanga (etiquette) and the various hīkoi (walking) options available.
For those on a day trip, there is ample time, five and a half hours, to explore the island. This duration allows visitors to walk the south side of the Rangatira Loop Track, connect with the Trig Track, hike up to the Wilkinson Track, and enjoy lunch at the peak, Tuteremoana. Afterwards, visitors can return via the Wilkinson Track to complete the loop.
How to Get There
Access to the island is by ferry, which departs from Paraparaumu Beach on the Kāpiti Coast. It is essential to book in advance, as visitor numbers are limited to protect the island's unique ecosystem. Once on the island, the track begins at the Kāpiti Island visitor shelter at Rangatira Bay.
