Zealandia Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

An amazing experience in the heart of Wellington!

Zealandia Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is located only 2 kilometres from the centre of Wellington, yet could be 1,000 kilometres away, once you enter the sanctuary.

Here... just a 30 minute walk from central Wellington, Kiwis are successfully breeding,and a wide range of New Zealand's sometimes rare birds, animals and insects are happily living and breeding ....the completely fenced Sanctuary keeping them safe from predators.

Expect to have your bag checked for any nasties!

The lake provided Wellington’s water supply until the 1990's...the picturesque pumphouse is a well known Wellington icon.

Zealandia....... which is part of the Sanctuary, is an award winning eco attraction. This newly opened Karori Sanctuary Experience.....is recommended by the Rough Guide as “one of 33 things not to be missed in New Zealand!”

The Zealandia Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Experience

When you go out into the sanctuary you can listen for these birds in the bush. If you are lucky... you will get sightings of different animals including tuatara, saddleback, hihi, giant weta and kaka. Be sure to hear the rangers talk about the inhabitants.

Zealandia displays include a film shown on a huge screen showing the changes in the wildlife over the last 1,000 years.

You will learn about the destructive detrimental effects of man on this once pristine natural environment. Having fenced the Zealandia Karori Wildlife Sanctuary it is slowly being brought back to life with much hard work over many years, providing a safe home for many animals that were endangered...some on the brink of extinction.

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Walks

You will come to Weta Hotels, Kaka Feeders and various other interesting features. The track is easy, and much can be done with a baby stroller. It is well marked where it is not suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

With over 30 different species of native birds and reptiles there is a lot to look for!It was amazing to see a tuatara sunning itself in it's natural habitat. The rangers are around different areas to point out what you may miss....the tuatara certainly has an excellent camoflauge!

GETTING TO ZEALANDIA KARORI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

If you don’t drive or take a taxi you can catch a bus Numbers 3,17,18, 21, 22 and 23 to the end of Waiapu Road and it is a short walk to the other end and entrance.

EVENING TOUR - A guided night tour will let you hear rare evening birdsong, see New Zealand glow worms and join the search for the little spotted kiwi.

Bookings are essential and you require suitable clothing and a torch. See Zealandia for full details.

Book Your Wellington Tours HERE