Having been lifted by earthquake, then eroded by climate and ocean the highest point, Tuteremoana, sits 521m above sea level.

For over a hundred years now Kapiti Island has been managed by the New Zealand Government in order to protect its flora and fauna.

As a 'Nature Reserve' it remains the most protected of public lands, and today the sheer abundance and diversity of birdlife gives testimony to the decades of careful management, good planning and much hard work.

Kapiti Island stands as 'one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's conservation estate' as it provides the necessary 'pest and predator' free environment for many of New Zealand's most endangered bird species.

But Kapiti is more than a 'conservation island'.

For over eight hundred years people also have lived on this island, and their history survives today through the stories and legends told by their ancestors, and through historical sites and artefacts.

Many tribal groups have left their marks on Kapiti Island during a long and colourful history. For instance, from here the famous chief Te Rauparaha controlled his middle NZ empire between 1830's - 60's.

Over the last 150 years, Kapiti Island has been home to some 5 waves of particular European interest. First came the explorers, including Captain James Cook who named Kapiti "Entry Island" because it's proximity to Cook Strait.

Then came the foreign trading ships which effected the balance of power, they were encouraged to the Island by signal fires atop the hills.

Soon after came commercial whalers, with some 2000 people living on Kapiti Island, including Australian and American whalers using their 'long boats' to chase the whales.

They processed the meat in large 'blubber pots' (some of which still remain on the Island). Then came the immigrant farmers during the 1840's and 50's.

Then in 1897, New Zealand's Prime Minister Richard Seddon introduced a bill to Parliament in order to acquire Kapiti Island 'to conserve the flora and fauna of the island' (as already the diversity and abundance of native species was recognised).

Of the total 1965 hectares, the local tangata whenua (Maori people of the land) together kept 13 hectares around Waiorua Bay, and this is where the Lodge is today. Otherwise (now for over 100 years) Kapiti Island has been managed explicitly as a wildlife sanctuary.

After decades of hard work this entire island is now totally 'pest and predator free', meaning 16 species of introduced animals like rats, stoats, cats & possums have been entirely eradicated. The difference this makes to the plant and animal life (and especially the birdlife) is huge.

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