Rangitoto and Kapiti Islands, havens of unique flora and rare birds, are examples of more than 800 offshore islands that offer rich experiences to visitors.
An excursion to an offshore island can provide visitors to New Zealand (Aotearoa) with a memorable and uncommon experience.
Many first-time visitors, who may perhaps be “adding on” New Zealand after a trip to Australia, spin through the tourist destinations of Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland, perhaps with a side-trip for the more adventurous to do some jet-boating or bungy-jumping.
These destinations have their merits. Rotorua, for example, provides a good introduction to Maori culture in an other-worldly environment of bubbling mud pools and the smell of sulphur. As a gateway to the South Island, Queenstown is an exciting place, a mecca for visitors and temporary workers from all over the world.
But a visit to one of the smaller offshore islands can provide a fresh understanding of New Zealand’s volcanic heritage and unique vegetation and bird life, and is well worth the extra effort. In some cases these islands have also played an important part in Maori or broader New Zealand history.
There are more than 800 offshore islands, some very small. These islands are special places, and visitors have to observe special rules to protect the fragile ecosystems. Rangitoto Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and Kapiti Island, off the coast of the community of Paraparaumu north of Wellington, are the best known. In fact, both of these islands have inspired generations of visual artists and writers, especially poets.
Rangitoto Island, accessible by ferry from central city Auckland, emerged from the sea around 600 years ago. During the early summer in December, the island is fringed by flame-red pohutakawa trees. A walk to the summit through volcanic rubble resembles a moonscape in some places. At the top from a short circular track the crater of the volcano, now covered in vegetation, is clearly visible.
Kapiti Island is a bit more of a challenge for the aspiring visitor because its status as a nature reserve means that only 50 people a day are allowed to visit. In the 1820s, the great Maori warrior Te Rauparaha moved his Ngati Toa people from the Waikato region and established a stronghold on Kapiti. There is a legend that he is buried there, although his headstone is elsewhere. His spirit has had a major impact on the work of poets such as Alistair Te Ariki Campbell.
Kapiti Island was a centre for whaling, was farmed by both Maori and non- Maori, and at one point was engulfed by fire. But in 1897, most of the island was set aside as a plant and bird sanctuary. Today it is lush with native plants and is a mecca for birds such as the kaka, piwakawaka, kiwi, tui and many others. According to the Department of Conservation, Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s most valuable sites.
Rangitoto and Kapiti are examples of offshore islands that offer experiences not to be gained elsewhere. A visit would add a great deal to the experience of New Zealand.
