64. Kapiti Island Marine Reserve

By sea 7km from Paraparaumu. Formally established in May 1992, the reserves 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 of Kapiti Island.
Scuba diving is most rewarding on the western side and north end of the island. There are some remarkable features, such as the rock archway on the western side and north end of the island. There are some remarkable features, such as the rock archway on the western side of the island known as the Hole-in-the-Wall.
Other areas particularly good include Tokahaki Reef; the Boulder Bank, Rangatira Point, Passage Rocks, Taharirimongo Point, West Point, Kaiwharawhara, Onepoto, and Arapawaiti. It is unusual to find the 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, colour the reefs and luxurient seaweed beds feed kina and paua.
Starfish corals , anemones, octopus and reef fish such as butterfish, blue cod and red mullet are also residents of these waters. Visitors to Kapiti's exceptionally clear waters include ocean fish like blue moki and kingfish and on occasions rare and subtropical fish such as the spotted black groper, drumfish and magpie perch.