Kapiti Island

Formally established in May 1992 the reserve's underwater scenery is generally regarded as some of the finest in the greater Wellington region. Good variety for photography. Those with a mask and snorkel could explore the rocks close to the shore. Scuba diving is the most rewarding on the western side and the north end of the Island. There are some remarkable features such as the rock archway on the western side of the island known as "Hole In The Wall". Other areas particularly good include Tokohaki Reef, Boulder Bank, Rangatira Point, Passage Rocks, West Point, Kaiwharawhara, Onepoto Rock, Arapawaiti, the Cathedral and many many more. It is unusual to find three common marine habitats of the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington region in such a confined area. The boulder bottom, sheltered reef and sand bottom habitats are home to a rich variety of marine life. Orange and yellow sponges, some very rare, the colours, the reefs and luxuriant seaweed beds feed kina & paua. Starfish, corals, anemones, octopus, stingrays & eagle rays, nudibranchs and reef fish such as blue & red cod, butterfish and red moki are just some of the residents of these waters. Visitors to Kapiti's exceptionally clear waters include ocean fish like king fish & blue moki and on occasions rare and subtropical fish such as the spotted black groper, drumfish and magpie perch. You may also see dolphins, seal colonies and blue penguins. Source: http://www.diversworld.co.nz Several dive sites around the Island: - Tokahaki Reef (N) - Boulder Bank (NE) - Kaiwhara Point (W) - Waterfall Bay (SE) - Aeroplane Island (SE) - Browns Island (SE) 7 km by sea from Paraparaumu.