Kapiti Island Nature Tours

The owners/operators of Kapiti Nature Tours are the whanau (family) – John and Susan Barrett, and John’s sister Amo Clark – live at Waiorua Bay at the north end of Kapiti Island. In October 2010 the business name changed from Kapiti Island Alive to Kapiti Island Nature Tours.

We run the only commercial operation at Waiorua Bay which includes the only overnight accommodation on Kapiti Island, Kapiti Nature Lodge; bird and history tours, and other activities like traditional harakeke-flax weaving weekends, seal watching, and seafood gathering. Our work here is uniquely connected to the taonga (treasures) of Kapiti Island.

We work closely with the Department on Conservation to nurture and protect New Zealand’s most precious native birds, including Little Spotted Kiwi, Takahe, Kākā, Weka, Tīeke (Saddleback), Kereru, Kokako, Hihi, Toutouwai (Robin). At the same time, we offer a remarkable, unforgettable experience.

Most of the day to day operations are run by Amo’s daughter, Minnie Clark, and she’s the person you’re most likely to first speak to. Many visitors keep in touch with the Kapiti Island whanau well after their visit. After all, they’ve made precious connections.



John and Amo’s iwi (tribe) and whanau (family) have been living on Kapiti Island since the 1820s. We have gathered generations of knowledge and experiences on the island’s history and grown to be recognised as a world renowned nature reserve. Kapiti Nature Lodge, the only accommodation on Kapiti Island, was inspired by the homestead of John and Amo’s grandmother who opened her farm homestead to visitors.

All the whanau on Kapiti Island consider living and working on one of New Zealand’s most precious taongas (treasures), a top visitor attraction in New Zealand, as a wonderful way to live in this world. One of the ways we share our natural sense of hospitality is through the expression of maanakitanga. Nature belongs to everyone, and sharing our knowledge with you is all part of our natural expression of hospitality.

The use of solar power, recycling, gathering or sourcing local food, and a deep respect for the land and wildlife, makes Kapiti Island Nature Tours unique.

Together with Amo, John and other whanau, we have other expert and passionate guides to help provide you with good birding, walking, and accommodation options: Day tours, one-hour guided walks, seafood gathering and traditional flax weaving activities, overnight stays in the Kapiti Nature Lodge, night Kiwi-spotting, fantastic wholesome food, and a chance to be truly nature-inspired.