Nau mai, haere mai | Welcome to Tour Wellington
Some places reveal themselves slowly — and the Waikanae Estuary is one of them. Tucked along the Kāpiti Coast, it’s a quiet wonder of a wetland, home to more than ninety bird species and a generation of stories that only a true local can tell.
That local is Mik Peryer. For more than forty-five years he’s been walking these shores, watching the seasons turn and the birds come and go. Known affectionately as the Birdman of Waikanae, Mik has guided thousands of visitors through this unique ecosystem, helping them spot rare species, understand their behaviour, and appreciate the extraordinary biodiversity right here on the coast. His deep knowledge, easy sense of humour, and genuine passion for conservation make every tour memorable — whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong birder.
We offer three ways to spend a Thursday with Mik. Choose the experience that suits the day you’re after.
$165 per person · Full-day experience · 9:30 AM – 3:45 PM
A complete day on the coast — birding, fine food, and the lesser-known stories of wartime Kāpiti.
9:30 AM — Pick-up from Paraparaumu Railway Station
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Guided Waikanae Estuary bird tour with Mik Peryer
12:15 PM — High Tea aboard the Blue Train
12:45 PM — 20-minute presentation by Mik Peryer
1:45 PM — Depart for the WWII Marines Camp tour with Larry Kein
3:45 PM — Return to Paraparaumu Railway Station
Minimum 10 guests.
$145 per person · Morning + High Tea · 9:30 AM – 1:45 PM
A graceful half-day combining the estuary at its morning best with a leisurely High Tea aboard the Blue Train.
Schedule
9:30 AM — Pick-up from Paraparaumu Railway Station
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Guided Waikanae Estuary bird tour
12:15 PM — High Tea aboard the Blue Train, with a 20-minute presentation by Mik Peryer
1:45 PM — Drop-off at Paraparaumu Railway Station
Minimum 10 guests.
$45 per person · Tour only · 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A relaxed two hours in the company of one of New Zealand’s most knowledgeable estuary guides — perfect for a quieter morning out.
Schedule
9:50 AM — Meet at the Waikanae Estuary
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Guided bird walk with Mik Peryer
For more than forty-five years, Mik Peryer has been sharing the stories, habitats and hidden wonders of the Waikanae Estuary. Known locally as the Birdman of Waikanae, he’s the kind of guide who can pick a bird out of the reeds before most of us have spotted the reeds — and tell you something memorable about it once he has. You can learn more about Mik’s work, and find his books, at Kāpiti Bird Tours.
