By Karen Speer

We gathered in numbers on a sublimely sunny Saturday at the Kapiti Boat Club for a briefing and boat trip. John Barrett explained the importance of us checking our luggage for rodents which we duly did. Split up into two groups, the first headed off on the fifteen minute boat trip to the northern end of Kapiti Island. The second party were treated to cappuccinos courtesy of Mark and Scott from Daltons, which hit the spot about right.

On arrival at the island, the sixteen ‘stay-overs’ and eighteen day trippers assembled with much anticipation in the day shelter, where John spoke to us for half an hour on the fauna we would likely encounter on Kapiti. We were much impressed to hear that some 22,000 possums were eradicated between 1980-86. Kapiti is one of New Zealand’s most valuable nature reserves, and it is the only large island sanctuary for birds between Hauraki Gulf in the north and New Zealand’s southern outlying islands. During the early 1900’s many birds and plants were introduced to Kapiti. One of these, the Little Spotted Kiwi is now extinct on the mainland but is thriving on Kapiti.

Some of the group went on the Okupe Lagoon walk while the rest of us set out for the Okupe Loop walk which was a steady climb through regenerating Kanuka, Pseudopanax, Clematis paniculata, native spinach and a ground cover of Wahlenbergia in full flower. Sheep were last grazed on Kapiti in 1996. The wind clearly plays a huge part in shaping the bush into distorted shapes. Weka and wood pigeon grazed on top of Coprosma propinqua, while Fantails and Whiteheads flitted about catching insects. We were treated to windless conditions, bright sunshine and a feeling we were in for something quite special.

Arriving at the top there was much delight as the view was spectacular and with the clear conditions we could see as far north as New Plymouth. We lazed about in the sun, and for us southerners, this was especially welcome. Brownie received an extra handful of scroggin for grubbing out bare handed a metre long thistle which was duly photographed.

Lunch was on the extreme side with chicken, ham, spuds and salad. Fresh fruit followed and there were much lively discussions on how to fill the afternoon. Most of us had brought our swimmers (thankfully, no budgie smugglers) so it was slip, slop, slap and down for a dip. The water was clear and not so cold and the sun beat down while we performed a bizarre game of twister on exiting the water over rounded but, slippery rocks.

Too soon the day trippers had to leave and the remainder of us re-grouped. Some of the lads were a bit thirsty … the rest of us had a bit of a walk to the lagoon where we encountered an adult takahe and a nine week old chick feeding on the pasture. Dennis spent quite a bit of time with knees bent in total concentration taking photos; it was fantastic to watch these birds at such close quarters. A family of takahe live around the lodge negating the need for a lawn mower. Around the lodge tracks, fat wood pigeons gorged themselves on pseudopanax berries, Weka strode about and Kaka with their low swoops over anyone sitting snacking kept us entertained.

Happy hour was relaxing set against a backdrop of the mainland and a setting sun with a great assortment of tipples hauled in from the mainland. Dinner was hearty and nourishing followed by a brief by Jane and John about the ‘Kiwi Walk’. Split into two groups we were advised that we would have to shuffle close together and remain silent if we wanted to see the Little Spotted Kiwi. Setting out under bright moonlight we giggled a bit nervously at first but soon everyone was thoughtful with ears pinned listening for the distinctive calls of the kiwi. Jane held the torch and it wasn’t long before up ahead on the path we saw a pair of birds. They didn’t appear much bigger than a domestic hen but their markings were very attractive.

Stopping like statues on the track we listened intently as two kiwi had a domestic dispute with one of the two crashing through the under growth in front of us. We were all very impressed and decided we had done very well with at least three or four sightings. Sadly the other group led by John failed to see any Kiwi at all (maybe the pickled onions consumed during happy hour had something to do with it.)

After another round of tea and beers, most of us retired to the bunk rooms. Sleep was fleeting for some and non existent for others. An early morning comfort stop confirmed we were in for a beautiful sunrise. The bunkroom next door was a quiver with snoring, and that mixed with the first squawks of the sea birds heralded morning.

After a welcome cup of tea we were off towards the Eastern Kapiti Marine Reserve to have a look at the old whaling station. During the reign of Te Rauparaha, the whalers arrived and established themselves on Kapiti and the three islets where they set up seven whaling stations. Australian and American whalers used their long boats to chase the whales. They processed the meat in large ‘blubber pots’.

We saw some wonderful Nikau palms at various growth stages, from seedling through to a mature specimen estimated at thirty years old. Linum monogynum, Passiflora, Cassinia and Mahoe. I had hoped to hear a ‘dawn chorus’ apart from seeing a kingfisher and hearing a few bellbirds the bush was noticeably quiet. Apparently June and July are the months to really hear the morning calls.

After a hearty breakfast we packed up and assembled down on the beach to wait for the boat to take us back to the mainland. Everyone was in high spirits and last photos were taken. Grateful thanks to Glenys and Gus Evans for organising such a fabulous trip.