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On Waitangi Day in 2007, we took the short trip up the Kapiti Coast to the Nga Manu Nature Reserve in the sleepy seaside town of Waikanae. The drive took us over the Hayward hills before avoiding the main roads and taking the scenic route from Pauhautanui to Paekakariki. From the hill summit between these two points we saw a fantastic view of Kapiti Island and could quite clearly see the Marlborough Sounds of the South Island across the expanse of the Cook Strait.
A bush clearing within the Nature Reserve. A bush trail wended its way through this area, showing off the most well known New Zealand trees.

A caged Kea at the Reserve. The Kea in here seemed quite happy and curious.

A view over towards the East and the Tararua Range which runs South from Palmerston North to Wellington.

A native Woodpigeon, or Kereru on close-up. These birds are very large, cumbersome and clumsy. You can always hear them coming as they make a strange fluttering sound just before you hear the snap of branches as they crash through the tree canopy.

A view from a raised viewing platform at the Reserve showing some of the wetland views on offer.