Explore Native Wildlife: Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

 

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, the world’s first fully-fenced urban wildlife sanctuary, is a haven for native wildlife located in the heart of Wellington city! Spanning 225 hectares of lush forest, wetlands and lakes, this place protects native wildlife, Wellington Valley’s forest, and freshwater ecosystems from introduced mammalian predators such as rats, possums, ferrets and cats. Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne has been incredibly successful with restoration as there has been a reintroduction of 18 species of native flora and fauna into this area which can now thrive. Some of which were absent for over 100 years from mainland New Zealand! 

Discover the beautiful scenes of New Zealand’s flora and fauna as you stroll along the tracks of this wildlife sanctuary. Look around and spot abundant biodiversity because this is the only place in New Zealand, and the world, where you can spot all these native species in one go! Listen out for the Tūī, try and spot the little spotted kiwi or look for the Ponga (Silver fern) which holds a special place in New Zealand’s heart. You might even have luck and spot prehistoric reptiles, as the ancient rare Tuatara, a mini dinosaur, calls Zealandia home. There are several species that you can look out for in the sanctuary. Whether that’s during broad daylight time or the moonlight, you will be sure to spot something fascinating.

 

Opening Hours and Key Information

Winter Opening Hours:

9:00 am - 4:30 pm
(last entry at 4:00 pm) 

Open every day except Christmas Day

You can book your tickets online or purchase them at the door! 

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is located in Central Wellington near the Cable Car Museum, at 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012.

General Admission Tickets:

For a self-paced exploration of the sanctuary, purchase a general admission ticket. You can stroll around the forest at your own pace, there is no rush! The general admission ticket grants you access to over 32km of tracks and a chance to see a life-size moa in the indoor exhibition! A great bonus point is that this ticket lasts up to two consecutive days. Come along and learn about the wildlife history of New Zealand and Zealandia’s vision of conservation that led to its establishment in central Wellington. 

Ticket options:

• Child: 5 - 17 years of age
• Concession: Concession tickets are available for NZ seniors and NZ students
• Family: Family ticket includes 2 adults and 3 children

Tours at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

At Zealandia Wellington, you can take a guided tour to explore the sanctuary. Look out for native birds and other flora and fauna, while learning more about New Zealand’s natural history. Whether you prefer to experience sightseeing in the vibrant daytime environment or discover a nocturnal wonderland, the choice is all yours! 

Zealandia by Day 

Enjoy a 2-hour journey discovering New Zealand’s rare and amazing wildlife. A knowledgeable guide will lead you on an adventure through this urban sanctuary where you'll be looking out for native species such as reptiles and birds, or be fascinated by the incredible flora, such as native trees, in the forest. The expert tour guides will help navigate the rarest flora and fauna using their birdsong, habitats and local flora knowledge. 

Day tour information: 

Pricing: $60 
Duration: 2 hours
Departing: 10am, 11am, 1pm (subject to availability)
Tours Available: Daily (subject to availability) 

Zealandia by Night

One of the most exciting highlights of this conservation sanctuary is the night tours! Explore the darkness with a guided torchlight and spot the birds, animals and other wildlife that is invisible during the day. 

Follow your guide through the trees as they lead you into pathways where you can see those that only come out at night. Your tour group might be lucky and spot one of the rare 150 little spotted kiwis that call Zealandia their home! If you don’t spot a kiwi, you can still observe glow worms, ruru/Moreporks and other fascinating species. After a fun adventure exploring, end the night with a hot cup of kawakawa (bushman’s tea) after your nocturnal adventure at Zealandia! 

Night tour information:

Pricing: $95
Duration: 2.5 hours
Departing: Around dusk. Departure time will be confirmed upon booking
Tours Available: Nightly 

Kids’ Night Walk

If your kids are fascinated by flora and fauna and love an adventure bring them to the Kids’ Night Walk. This is the perfect opportunity for them to explore the night-time wildlife and nocturnal species. The kids are given special red light torches so the wildlife isn’t disturbed! 

Zealandia Kids’ Night Walk information:

Pricing: $25
Duration: 1.5 hours
Departing: Around dusk. Departure time will be confirmed upon booking

Tours Available: April - September
Term Time: Weekends
School Holidays: Weekends & additional days during the week

Visiting Wellington?

If you plan to visit Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne come and collect a car from Omega Rental Cars Wellington located at 77 Hutt Road, Pipitea, Wellington 6035. This is only a 12-minute drive to Zealandia. 

There is limited free parking available on site but don’t worry there is an overflow car park located 500 metres away on Birdwood Road and parking on Chaytor Street.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is a world first, offering sanctuary and conservation in the midst of an urban city for native birds and other animals, flora and visitors alike. This forest gem in the Wellington region is home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife! It is also important to highlight the behind-the-scenes of a dedicated team that works to restore the land, commit to ongoing monitoring and conservation, and reintroduce species previously absent from the area. Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is also supported by the wider community, such as Wellington City Council and the Karori Sanctuary Trust. 

Exploring Zealandia, the world’s first fully-fenced urban wildlife sanctuary, will leave you appreciating conservation and biodiversity like never before. If you are a nature lover, this is the perfect place to visit! If you are just looking for a new adventure or to educate yourself on wildlife then come along and this will be an unforgettable journey into the heart of New Zealand’s nature wonders. Visit Zealandia soon!