Kapiti Island walk

 Had a day on the island and walked almost to the top. It's so lovely over there, quietly different to our coast as it's all rocks, no sand, just birds and trees and very few people. There were about 20 people on our boat over but they all went in another direction. We'd walked uphill about an hour before we met a couple of gals coming the other way - they were checking predator traps. 

Beginning of the 500mt climb, looking down at the landing site where the boat runs up onto the gravel. 

We were aiming for the top but I'm still too slow, although I did walk uphill more than I've walked in 18 months. Pleased to report hip is definitely on the mend.  

We calculated it was pushing it to make it to the top and get back before the boat left so we turned around at about 350mt and headed down. 

A very keen and cheeky kaka parrot joined us at the lunch spot, and did swipe some egg roll right out of my hand. 

Meanwhile, a weka was scouting around the packs looking for forbidden human food.  

Fern and lichen on a tree (an excuse to stop for a bit and take a photo).

Back at the beach we had four achy knees, so perhaps it was a good thing we didn't go the extra climb and descent. 

Back on the beach waiting for the boat and our 15 minute ride back. Behind us are ti trees and lots of them, part of the massive planting and  removal of 20,000 possums that have helped regenerate the island.