Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
A groundbreaking 225-hectare ecosanctuary in Wellington, restoring New Zealand's lost native wildlife and flora.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birds are most active
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Best Time
Birds are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A groundbreaking 225-hectare ecosanctuary in Wellington, restoring New Zealand's lost native wildlife and flora.
"One of the favorite things in New Zealand so far. The birds and the lush greenery!"
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails!
🦉 Night Tour is a Must
Seeing the kiwi and other nocturnal animals is a highlight. Guides are super knowledgeable!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Native Birdsong Symphony
Throughout the sanctuary
Immerse yourself in the chorus of rare native birds like the tūī and pīwakawaka. Listen to their unique calls echoing through the lush forest.

Nocturnal Wildlife Encounters
Night tour routes
Experience the magic of Zealandia after dark. Spot elusive nocturnal creatures, including the iconic kiwi, on a guided night tour.

Lush Forest Trails
Walking tracks
Wander through ancient forests, over suspension bridges, and past vibrant native plants. A photographer's paradise!

Kākā Encounters
Bird feeders and forest
Witness the cheeky and intelligent kākā parrots up close. They are often seen around bird feeders, ready for a chat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Wild: What to Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails!
🦉 Night Tour is a Must
Seeing the kiwi and other nocturnal animals is a highlight. Guides are super knowledgeable!
📸 Bring Your Camera
The lush greenery and diverse birdlife make for stunning photos. Capture those tūī and kākā moments!
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Especially for evening tours, protect yourself from any biting insects.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails!
🦉 Night Tour is a Must
Seeing the kiwi and other nocturnal animals is a highlight. Guides are super knowledgeable!
📸 Bring Your Camera
The lush greenery and diverse birdlife make for stunning photos. Capture those tūī and kākā moments!
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Especially for evening tours, protect yourself from any biting insects.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
The #2 Karori bus from Wellington City Centre drops you right at the entrance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Zealandia for its incredible biodiversity and successful conservation efforts, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the magical experience of seeing native wildlife. The night tours are a particular standout, offering a unique chance to spot elusive creatures like the kiwi. While generally positive, some visitors note that certain tracks can be challenging, and the cost of entry might be a consideration for some.
"Brilliant experience! I did the night tour in July 2025. The night tour was well paced, and the guides were exceptionally knowledgeable about the construction and maintenance of the sanctuary - as well as all the plants and animals that call Zealandia home. With the night tour, I also got free entry to Zealandia the same/next day - so that I could explore the various walking tracks myself. Keep up the amazing work. 10/10… would visit again in a heartbeat."
Bronwyn Isaac
"One of the favorite things in New Zealand so far. The birds and the lush greenery along with the water make for very photogenic hikes. There is a suspension bridge and bird feeders that attract birds. The hikes are filled with bird song. The map and bird guide that is free is very useful. Finally, the exhibition and the five minute video are worth it."
Ben Park
"We loved the nocturnal tour. Totally recommended.
In the end of the tour in the sanctuary, we saw a kiwi.
I need to emphasize the free environment the animals have here, I like it!"
Alvaro Vidal Santoro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zealandia is easily accessible by public transport. The #2 Karori bus route from Wellington City Centre stops directly at the sanctuary entrance, making it a convenient option for visitors.
Yes, there is parking available at Zealandia for visitors who choose to drive. It's a good option if you're exploring Wellington by car.
While it's a bit of a trek, it is possible to walk to Zealandia from the city center, but it will take a significant amount of time. Taking the bus is generally more efficient.
Zealandia has a network of accessible paths, particularly around the main visitor areas and some of the lower tracks. However, some of the more rugged trails may be challenging for wheelchairs.
Zealandia is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry usually around 4:00 PM. Night tours have separate timings, so check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your Zealandia tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid potential queues.
General admission typically includes access to the sanctuary's walking tracks, exhibition, and the chance to see native flora and fauna during the day. Night tours are usually a separate booking.
Yes, Zealandia offers guided daytime tours led by knowledgeable guides who can enhance your understanding of the sanctuary's conservation efforts and wildlife. Night tours are also a popular option.
Some visitors have reported getting free entry to Zealandia the same or next day with their night tour ticket, allowing for daytime exploration. It's best to confirm this when booking.
Ticket prices vary for adults, children, and families. It's advisable to check the official Zealandia website for the most current pricing information.
📸 📸 Photography
Bird feeders are excellent spots for close-up shots of birds like kākā and tūī. Keep an eye out for toutouwai (North Island robin) hopping around the tracks.
Tripods are generally permitted, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways, especially on busy days.
Telephoto lenses are highly recommended for capturing birds in their natural habitat. Many photographers use lenses like 150-600mm or 200-800mm for great results.
Kiwi are nocturnal and are housed in a special nocturnal house or seen on night tours. Photography inside the nocturnal house may be restricted due to flash sensitivity, so check guidelines.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography and are when many birds are most active.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Zealandia is home to a wide array of native New Zealand species, including rare birds like the kākā, tūī, and pīwakawaka, as well as reptiles, amphibians, and unique plant life.
Many visitors find the guided tours incredibly valuable for learning about the sanctuary's conservation work and spotting wildlife they might otherwise miss.
You can easily spend 2-4 hours exploring the walking tracks and exhibition. If you plan to do a night tour as well, allocate a full day.
Yes, there is a cafe at Zealandia that offers refreshments and light meals. Many visitors also enjoy bringing their own picnic to enjoy amidst the natural surroundings.
The exhibition provides an engaging introduction to Zealandia's history, its conservation mission, and the unique biodiversity of New Zealand's pre-human ecosystem.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for the interactive exhibition which provides a fun introduction to New Zealand's natural history. The nocturnal tours can also be an exciting adventure for older children, offering a glimpse into a different world after dark. Remember to bring comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as exploring the sanctuary can take several hours.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The lush forest scenery and unique plant life also offer beautiful landscape photography opportunities. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best natural light. Be patient, as wildlife sightings often require a bit of waiting, but the rewards are well worth it. Remember to check any specific photography guidelines, especially for sensitive areas like the nocturnal house.
🌿 Nature & Conservation Lovers
Consider joining a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the sanctuary's mission and the science behind its success. The exhibition also provides valuable context. Your visit directly supports Zealandia's ongoing efforts to protect and preserve New Zealand's natural heritage for future generations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Zealandia Ecosanctuary: A Conservation Marvel
The vision behind Zealandia is to recreate a pre-human New Zealand, showcasing the country's unique biodiversity. Visitors can explore lush forest valleys, walk along pristine streams, and witness the incredible success of conservation efforts firsthand. The sanctuary is a living laboratory, constantly working to protect and restore native species and their habitats.
From the vibrant calls of native birds to the rustling of lizards in the undergrowth, Zealandia offers an immersive experience into New Zealand's natural heritage. It's a testament to what can be achieved when dedicated conservationists and the community work together to protect precious ecosystems.
Wildlife Encounters: Birds, Lizards, and More
Beyond the birds, Zealandia also provides a sanctuary for native reptiles and amphibians. Keep an eye out for various lizards basking in the sun on warm days, and listen for the croaks of native frogs. The predator-proof fence is crucial in protecting these vulnerable species from introduced predators, allowing them to flourish within the sanctuary.
Experiencing these native species in their natural, protected environment is a core part of the Zealandia visit. Whether you're on a daytime hike or a specialized night tour, the opportunity to see these unique creatures up close is truly special and a highlight for many visitors.
Exploring Zealandia: Trails and Tours
The night tours are a particularly unique and highly recommended experience. As dusk settles, Zealandia transforms, and you have the chance to encounter nocturnal wildlife that is rarely seen during the day. Spotting a kiwi in its natural habitat is a truly unforgettable moment for many visitors.
Whether you prefer to wander independently with a map and bird guide or join an expert-led tour, Zealandia provides a rich and engaging experience. The combination of well-maintained trails and diverse tour options ensures there's something for everyone to discover within this extraordinary ecosanctuary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit