Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours
Birds, High Tea and coastal stories – Thursdays with Mik Peryer.
- From
- $45 pp
- When
- Every Thursday · from 9:30 AM
- Duration
- 2 hours, half-day or full‑day
- Where
- Waikanae Estuary · Blue Train Kāpiti
- Guide
- Mik Peryer, the Birdman of Waikanae
Quick details
- Duration
- Choose from 2 hours, half-day or full‑day options
- Tour times
- Every Thursday · from 9:30 AM
- Tour type
- Three guided experiences with Mik Peryer – bird walk, birds & High Tea, full day with WWII heritage
- Tour area
- Waikanae Estuary · Blue Train Kāpiti, Paraparaumu · Kāpiti Coast, New Zealand
- Capacity
- Small-group experience · minimum 10 guests for High Tea options
- Accessibility
- Estuary walk follows mostly flat, accessible paths – please get in touch to discuss specific needs
- Transport
- Pick-up and drop-off at Paraparaumu Railway Station (Full Day and Birds & High Tea options); meet on-site for the Estuary Walk
A Thursday with the Birdman of Waikanae
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.
Choose your Thursday
Three ways to spend the day with Mik. Each has its own schedule, price and availability.
Kāpiti Bird & Heritage Day Tour
$165 pp 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.
Schedule
- 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
What’s included
- Morning guided bird tour at Waikanae Estuary
- High Tea aboard the Blue Train
- WWII Marines Camp guided tour
- French bubbles on arrival
- A copy of Mik Peryer’s bird book to take home
- All commentary, guides and transport between locations
Minimum 10 guests.
Check availability: Kāpiti Bird & Heritage Day Tour
Live availability for the Kāpiti Bird & Heritage Day Tour. Pick a date to see times and book.
Prefer to talk to us? Get in touch
Waikanae Birds & High Tea Tour
$145 pp 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
What’s included
- Two-hour guided bird tour at the estuary
- High Tea aboard the Blue Train
- French bubbles on arrival
- A copy of Mik Peryer’s bird book to take home
- Return transport from Paraparaumu Railway Station
Minimum 10 guests.
Check availability: Waikanae Birds & High Tea Tour
Live availability for the Waikanae Birds & High Tea Tour. Pick a date to see times and book.
Prefer to talk to us? Get in touch
Waikanae Estuary Bird Walk
$45 pp 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
What’s included
- Two-hour guided estuary walk
- Expert commentary throughout
- Mik’s books available to purchase on the day
Check availability: Waikanae Estuary Bird Walk
Live availability for the Waikanae Estuary Bird Walk. Pick a date to see times and book.
Prefer to talk to us? Get in touch
About your guide – 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.
Birds of the Waikanae Estuary
Questions about the Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours
More answers on our FAQ page, or get in touch.
What if I have dietary requirements?
We cater for most dietary needs with advance notice. Please let us know when booking, and we’ll make sure your meal is prepared accordingly.
More ways to explore the Kāpiti Coast
See all our Kāpiti Coast tours · About the Blue Train venue · Northern Explorer connections
-
$170 pp all inclusive
Vintage Elegance, Every Saturday
Tūī Tour
An evening of fine dining, live jazz, and coastal storytelling aboard the Blue Train – a rare kind of night out, in a setting unlike anywhere else in New Zealand.
- Start 5:30 PM Saturday · Ends by 8:00 PM
- Northern Explorer’s Saturday arrival
- Three-course fine dining + Live music
- Local Wine Pairing
- Private return coach to Wellington Railway Station
-
$595 pp all inclusive
Overnight Escape, Every Saturday
Kererū Tour
Two days of curated delight – the elegance of the Tūī Tour, a seaside sleep, and a full day exploring vintage trams, classic cars, and local wines along the coast.
- Start 5:30 PM Saturday · Ends Sunday afternoon
- Northern Explorer’s Saturday arrival
- Everything from the Tūī Tour
- Sunday lunch & wine tasting
- Boutique seaside accommodation
- Southward Car Museum & Fiducia tram ride
- Private return coach to Wellington Railway Station
-
$375 pp all inclusive
Groups of 100+ · by enquiry
Haast Eagle Tour
A gourmet evening aboard the Blue Train, then a grand vintage steam journey down the Kāpiti coastline to Wellington Railway Station.
- Saturday evening · arrives Wellington 8:00 PM
- The full Tūī Tour dining experience
- Heritage steam journey aboard Steam Locomotive 1271
- Minimum 100 guests for steam · 48 for the R31 Railcar
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