Do not trust the Kaka, they will still the food from your hand.
The Wilkinson track is a well formed track with a steady zig zag up the side of the island. We walked down it from Tuteremoana. Unexpectedly a toutouwai (North Island Robin) hopped down and check us out. Very inquisitive bird.
I expected more views of the mainland on our journey down the mountain, but it was cloudy. This is looking north, towards the Okupe Lagoon.
Looking East across the chanel to Paraparaumu.
We made it to the base of the island in plenty of time before the boat arrived. The urchins explored the coastline. I like the red beaks of the Tõrea mango (oystercatcher)
There sure was a strong wind, once we left the shelter of the native plants growing further inland
Weird looking jellyfish amongst the water smoothed rocks.
This is where the early whalers dragged the whales onto the shore. Windy, steep inclined, exposed to the elements.
I imagined my grandfather's grandfather living here 150 years or more ago. Tough man.
As we sat around waiting for the boat, another kaka and weka appeared.
Any food we had, was promptly stolen, and he scuttled off to the trees to devour it.
While the kaka was distracting the urchins, the weka stole the biscuits on the table.
Tighe lost another biscuit to the kaka. The weka and kaka worked as a tag team to distract us, and steal any available food.
As we walked to the boat along the lower part of the Rangatira loop walk, Tighe noticed some poo on some rocks within the bush line. He stopped, and he found a kororā (little blue penguin) nest. There was also a very fishy smell about.
Very quietly, not wanting to disturb the penguin, we turned the flashes off the cameras.
Excellent day exploring Kapiti Island. Such a variety of bird life.
Urchins waiting for the boat. We got picked up just after 3pm. The ride back was just as exhilarating as the journey coming over. The day wore the teenagers out, and they were asleep before Pukerua Bay.
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