"The only difference is these folk will travel to and from the island directly from their ship, rather than from Paraparaumu Beach."
The Caledonian Sky is a small (91m) ship and will be anchored for the day near the north of the island, outside the marine reserve boundary.
Safety considerations mean the vessel will not be travelling through Rauoterangi Channel between the island and the mainland.
One of the island's registered tour operators, Kāpiti Island Eco Experience, would escort 90 visitors off the ship to the island to enjoy the unique predator-free bird sanctuary.
Just 5km from the coast, the island is one of the country's most accessible nature reserves with rare birds such as kiwi, takahē and hihi.
"There are strict conditions of entry to protect the wildlife on this unique island.
"The cruise ship passengers must adhere to these conditions, including a biosecurity check, just like all other visitors do."
Biosecurity checks were carried out on board the main vessel by the tour operator's staff, assisted by a DoC conservation dog handler and a rodent detection dog.
These checks include thoroughly cleaning footwear and inspecting packs and pockets for stow-away seeds, soil, and invasive animals.
"This place is a real taonga - a unique example of the bird-land New Zealand once was - we are keen to find ways to offer that experience to more people while always protecting its special values."
DoC aims to connect more people with nature and hopes at least half of all international visitors will come to New Zealand to connect with our natural places by 2025.
