Visits to Nature Reserves, Forests and Islands, Birdwatching
If you are interested in New Zealand's native birds then the below attractions are excellent - also see the separate page on Birds at Vista del Sol together with photos of a trip to Nga Manu Wildlife Sanctuary which we highly recommend.
Kapiti Island, an internationally known nature reserve is 5km offshore, 10 km long, 2km wide with the highest point 520m above sea level, Permits are needed to land and there are organized trips, public tracks and organized tours for sights and bird watching of some of the worlds and New Zealand rarest birds with Kapiti Island Alive see http://www.kapitiislandalive.co.nz
Nga Manu Nature Reserve - 35 acres of coastal lowland forest with over 700 plant species, 56 bird species and other flora and fauna is run by a trust to research, preserve, recover and educate about a wide variety of NZ plants, tuatara, lizards, and native birds. You may spend time alone seeing the attractions in the wheelchair accessible grounds or go on one of the tours to discover or feed Kiwi, Tui, Kaka, Tuatara and other fauna and flora. For Vista del Sol guest's with limited time you may organise an individual guided tour See http://www.ngamanu.co.nz for costs and timetables.
Kapiti Bird Tours with Mik Peryer for an entertaining and educational bird watching tour through Waikanae River Estuary where approximately 63 species of coastal and aquatic birds visit. Waikanae Estuary has more species than any other site in the Wellington District - see http://www.kapitibirdtours.co.nz
Parrot Ranch - tours of a large collection of birds in park like grounds
Owlcatraz - an attractive Native bird and wildlife park with miniature train, glow worm cave, cafe see www.owlcatraz.co.nz
Staglands Nature Reserve - A Sanctuary assisting in saving some of New Zealand's endangered bird species together with a cafe and farm visit with a beautiful drive to get there - see www.staglands.co.nz
Murrayfield Clydesdales - cafe, pioneer museum, Clydesdales, farm visit, model town
Manawatu Estuary - a large estuary area where upto 93 birds have been identified, a welcome and farewell for migratory birds including godwits and knots from Alaska and Siberia is held around the equinox each March and October.
Artists, Crafts, Sculpture, Potters, Museums and Galleries
Over 28 Artists, many internationally renown, are available for you to visit
The annual Kapiti Coast Arts Trail is usually the second week of November
Transportation and Aviation
Southward Car Museum - An internationally known car museum which shows a selection of 250 veteren and vintage cars from one of the largest privately owned collections in the Southern hemisphere. Additionally shown are fire engines, aircraft, traction engines, motor cycles, and other vehicular collectables.
See http://www.southward.org.nz
Tokomaru Steam Museum - Traction engines of yesteryear
Wellington Tramway Museum - The Kapiti Coast Electric Tramway provides a glimpse into Wellington's past with its collection of working heritage trams and memorabilia. The museum is open daily and during weekends, public and school holidays, trams run regularly from the park entrance at MacKays Crossing for 2 Kms to Whareroa Beach. See http://www.wellingtontrams.org.nz/
Steam Incorporated - restoration and train excursions in the steam engines and carraiges of the era of steam - steam train excursion trips on the main trunk line to interesting events
Kapiti Aero Club for training, flights, and the adjacent aviation museum and Heli Pro for Helecopter scenic rides and trips.
Loco - an extensive model railway system.
Outdoor Activities
There is an unlimited amount of fishing, diving, hunting, tramping, 4x4 tours, river rafting in the National Parks, forests, rivers, beach, marine areas of Kapiti Nature Coast.
see www.captivate.net.nz for rafting, abseiling, rock climbing and day walks in the Otaki Gorge area
There is an extensive Network of Walks and Trails for hiking, cycling, tramping in Forest Parks, along beaches, through many reserves and along river tracks and the beaches.
Golfing at 6 clubs within 30 minutes travel of Vista del Sol, including clubs to an international level. See the Golf Page for more information on all courses.
Restaurants and Cafes
Over 20 restaurants and cafes are in Te Horo and Waikanae, these ranging from cafes to award winning silver service restaurants and include NZ fare, French, Cantonese, Cambodian, Indian and Steak Houses.
Kapiti Cheeses - Visit for award winning cheeses and ice cream to die for at the Lindale Farm Park and Tourist Centre
Nyco Chocolate Factory - discover the secrets of chocolate and confectionary making with Nyco who manufacture specialty and well known brands here in Kapiti - visit the shop or arrange a tour of the factory. see http://chocolatesnewzealand.com
Prenzel - visit and taste award winning locally produced infused olive oils, vinaigrettes, liqueurs, schnapps and spirits
Lavender Creek Farm - a working lavender farm with gardens and shop
Bishops Vineyard - an exciting new vineyard won trophy's for their Ohau Gravel Pinot Gris and medals for their two Savignon Blanc in their first vintage - Their first Pinot Noir is to be released in 2010. Cellar Tastings in weekends from December 2009 onward - see www.ohaugravels.co.nz
Ruth Pretty is one of New Zealand's foremost culinary authorities, she has published 5 books and is based in Te Horo with the cooking school, catering business, wedding venue and a kitchen shop which offers kitchen equipment and a range of food condiments and conserves. If you are staying at Vista del Sol then we can drop you off to Ruth Pretty so you can enjoy the cooking school day, have a few wines, and we will pick you up again when you are ready.
Other Activities
For additional information on the Nature Coast and upcoming events go to www.naturecoast.co.nz
Wellington Attractions 1 hour South by train or motorway - go to www.wellingtonnz/com
Palmerston North attractions 1 hour north by Motorway
