ABOUT KAPITI

The Kapiti local government district was formed in 1989, after being under the control of the Hutt County Council. The Kapiti Coast District Council offices are in Paraparaumu. Until 1989 Paraparaumu had been a seaside resort with holiday homes, both basic and up-market. Since then it has grown quickly to have a current population of about 40,000. It is said to be the second fastest growing urban area in New Zealand.

Seascape B&B is located at Paraparaumu which is famous for its fabulous wide flat natural beach, great cafes and beachside amenities, and a small airport in the middle of town which is at present undergoing major re-development. There are also some of NZ's top retirement villages, an internationally ranked golf course, superb lawn bowling, bird-watching tours, riverside walks and wonderful bush walks in the nearby hills. Local businesses include Kapiti Cheeses and Ice Cream, Coastlands Shopping Town, Southwards Car Museum, Lindale Centre and Farm Walk, Ngamanu Nature Reserve. Nearby towns are Paekakariki, Waikanae, and Otaki, all interesting places to visit.

KAPITI ISLAND

Kapiti Island (10 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide), is 5 kilometres offshore from Paraparaumu Beach, and is a sanctuary for endangered species of NZ native birds. It is accessible by launch ferry departing 9.00am most days weather permitting from the boat club premises just across the road from Seascape B&B, and collects visitors for the return trip home at 3.00pm.

The island is home to some of the world's rarest birds and most endangered birds, many of which are no longer found on the mainland. It is steeped in history, having once been the place of Ngati Toa chief's fortress, from where his tribe set out to attack other tribes up and down the coast. It was later used by early pioneers as a base for whale hunting. The Department of Conservation programme to eradicate all feral pests and possums from the island has been an outstanding success, and the methods used have now been used elsewhere in NZ and overseas.

The side facing the mainland is of dense natural bush, while the side facing the open sea is steep and barren. There are walking tracks, requiring a reasonable standard of fitness, leading to the summit, approx. 500 metres (1600 ft) above sea level.