Mana Island is somewhere I have always wanted to go, and now that I have found how to get there, I figure you might want to come along! So I think an event to celebrate that we made it is in order!
Why go to Te Mana o Kupe ki Aotearoa? Because it is a sanctuary, much like Kapiti Island, where you can see the results of the restoration efforts that DoC have put into the island (it was once a sheep station, a whaling base, and a stonghold of Te Rauparaha). Hopefully we'll get to see the world's heaviest insect! Yeah, it's a weta. Must be a bretty big weta!
If you don't have your own boat available, there is a ferry. Ferry timetables, fares and bookings are available here. I'm going across on the 10am sailing. Check the waypoint for the wharf that the ferry leaves from. The ferry gives you 4 hours on the island, which should be lots of time to explore.
The event will be held at the old wool shed.
Bring lunch and water. A raincoat, just in case. Everything you bring you must bring back.
Hopeful to see you over there! 
Mana, with Kapiti in the distance.