Rainbow Springs Nature Park
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Rainbow Springs Nature Park
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
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About
Set among the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua, Rainbow Springs Nature Park offers a fun-filled and action-packed day out for the whole family. Learn about New Zealand's fascinating natural history and meet the interesting creatures who call this great land of ours home! Learn, see discover with our guided tours which allow you to get closer than ever to some of our favourite park residents including trout, reptiles, and native birds. You can also meet kiwi, New Zealand's iconic native bird! Rainbow Springs is home to the worlds most successful kiwi hatchery, and during your visit you can join a behind the scenes tour of The National Kiwi Hatchery for a unique chance to experience a working kiwi hatchery! Have endless fun discovering our awesome new Playscapes and Waterplay area and make sure to jump aboard the Big Splash for a thrilling ride!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
2,162 reviews
Excellent
1,031
Very good
722
Average
278
Poor
92
Terrible
39
mauriciou1970
Oncativo, Argentina138 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Highly cost!
$45 per adult just to see three kiwis across a window with a tons of prohibitions: you can't food, you can't drink, you can't take pictures, you can't talk, etc... Meanwhile a local guide tours came inside kiwis's house speaking very aloud to her group. A shame!
At the end they offer to you a very obvios tricked picture of you and a kiwi for another $25... just a bad version of the thruly picture that they ban you to take before.
$45 per adult just to see three kiwis across a window with a tons of prohibitions: you can't food, you can't drink, you can't take pictures, you can't talk, etc... Meanwhile a local guide tours came inside kiwis's house speaking very aloud to her group. A shame!
At the end they offer to you a very obvios tricked picture of you and a kiwi for another $25... just a bad version of the thruly picture that they ban you to take before.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Mauriciou,
Thank you for your review and rating. I am very sorry read you clearly did not enjoy your time with us.
In addition to Kiwi, full details of all species we have, our advocacy and breeding programmes, our guided experiences and attractions as well as our pricing are all on our website.
We ask that all our visitors remain quiet in the nocturnal house and that no visitor takes any photographs of the Kiwi as flashes of light and loud noises will upset the kiwi on display and ruin viewing for all others for the remainder of that day.
We ask this respectfully, however, we cannot control everyones behaviors if they chose to ignore our polite requests.
Nga mihi,
David.
Written February 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Taylor D
1 contribution
Feb 2020
We toured the Kiwi Hatchery and it was fantastic! Our guide Kerry was very knowledgeable and you could tell that he really cared about the work they were doing to increase the population of Kiwis in NZ (he also gave us great recommendations for places to eat in Wellington!). We were able to see a newly hatched chick as well as a grown bird! (Keep in mind, this is a conservation effort--NOT a petting zoo, so there is no holding of any of the animals). We also toured the bird enclosures and nature trails and enjoyed those as well! Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area!!!!
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora taylormpls91,
What a wonderful review you have shared, thank you so very much for taking the time to see us and leaving such great feedback we really do appreciate it and your support of The National Kiwi Hatchery here at Rainbow Springs..
Nga mihi,
David
Written March 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John V
Auburn, NH37 contributions
Feb 2020
We took the early tour of the sanctuary and were lucky enough to see a new born kiwi and one still in the egg. Our guide was informative and very receptive to all our questions---and believe me, we had alot of them. We also were given the opportunity to see the caregivers feed a kiwi that wasn't eating properly. The love and respect the staff has for these national treasures is apparent the moment you meet and chat with them. Our tour of the park took about three hours. What a great way to start our day in Rotorua. Highly recommended.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M & M
Kailua, HI17 contributions
Jan 2020
My kids were thrilled to see and learn about Kiwi! The hatchery was very informative. They also had a great playground and Big Splash ride that the kids really enjoyed...bean bags throughout the lawn to relax on, a cafe. You could spend an hour or several hours there and also pair this with Agrodome as they are close in proximity and had package deals.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora mandmvierra, thanks so much for your review. It's great to hear that you and your family enjoyed your visit to Rainbow Springs and got the opportunity to view and learn about our national bird. Nga mihi, Emma.
Written January 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
69camaro
Auckland, New Zealand25 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Purchased Tickets online in April. Brought open ended Tickets. At time of Purchase, nothing on Website advising Park closed except for Kiwi House.
We drove from Katikati to Rotorua with our Grandson (11 years old). Took 1 and three quarter hours for the journey.
Upon arrival, we were not advised only Kiwi Exhibit was open. We awaited the Kiwi Tour, which took 20 minutes.
After the Kiwi Tour, we could not find a way into rest of park, so went to ask.
It was then, we were advised rest of Park is Shut.
So, we paid $110:00 for 2 Adults & 1 Child to view an empty Kiwi Hatchery (nothing happening and closed down) and 2 live Kiwis in their enclosure.
I sent an email asking for an explanation and a partial refund or Tickets for when the Park is opening. To date, no reply.
Very disappointed. Buyer beware!
We drove from Katikati to Rotorua with our Grandson (11 years old). Took 1 and three quarter hours for the journey.
Upon arrival, we were not advised only Kiwi Exhibit was open. We awaited the Kiwi Tour, which took 20 minutes.
After the Kiwi Tour, we could not find a way into rest of park, so went to ask.
It was then, we were advised rest of Park is Shut.
So, we paid $110:00 for 2 Adults & 1 Child to view an empty Kiwi Hatchery (nothing happening and closed down) and 2 live Kiwis in their enclosure.
I sent an email asking for an explanation and a partial refund or Tickets for when the Park is opening. To date, no reply.
Very disappointed. Buyer beware!
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eztravel394
India21 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Having missed going to Zealandia in Wellington we thought we will go here to see Kiwis and other native birds at least in bird houses. We took the lite pass. We couldn’t see any Kiwi in the nocturnal zone, but fine it’s not in anyone’s control. But I wish there’s at least some staff there to explain what to look for. We went on the guided tour but it was very rushed. Didn’t see many informative text about the birds. If your interest is to see some native birds and learn about them this is probably not the best place.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora, thank you for taking the time to place your feedback.
We are sorry to hear you felt rushed during the guided park tour and have passed your comments to our local team. We have a lot of interactive signage around the park with interesting facts around our native species, and hope you had enough time to also do some self-exploration at your own pace.
At Rainbow Springs we are also the proud home of the National Kiwi Hatchery and run regular 'behind the scenes' tours. The National Kiwi Hatchery Tours are included with the Essentials and Ultimate Passes and could be a better option for those interested in not only trying to catch a glimpse of live kiwi but also in learning more about kiwi and our effort to protect these precious birds.
Nga mihi,
Diana
Written January 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jax
Opotiki, New Zealand625 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Great park, big splash is awesome for kids. Wildlife is spectacular & the kiwi hatchery amazing. We saw two of the kiwis up close & being very active. Great trout pools, birds & reptiles. Very informative. We paid $30 for the essentials pass which was good value. At the full price of $60 it would have been a bit overrated for us New Zealanders but probably ok overseas tourists. Actually really nice coffee (Supreme Beans) which is unusual for a tourist attraction cafe. Staff at the entrance and in the cafe were extremely friendly.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora HiccupHickey, thank you for taking the time to write a review. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed learning about our wildlife and going on the National Kiwi Hatchery tour. Nga mihi, Emma
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PatongaZ
Perth, Australia193 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
My wife and I wanted to see a kiwi before we left NZ. This place was excellent. We only opted for the 'lite' entry but it was ideal for us. The nocturnal house has 3 full size kiwis and the lighting was ideal for them to be active and for visitors to see. We spent 15" mesmerized by these facinating creatures. The information area before entering the nocturnal house is also well displayed. The gardens are really well maintained and the trout pools impressive. The cultural show is well presented and interactive. I spent an easy 4hrs here and finished the day with a Big Splash. The ride is simply a gravity fed boat ride through the park with a large drop at the end which will get you a little wet. The boat lifts I found most engenious. My navigation was a little 'off' as I did get lost a few times even though I had a map.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora PatongaZ, thank you for taking the time to write a review. It's wonderful to hear that you and your wife thoroughly enjoyed your time at Rainbow Springs and experiencing everything we have to offer. Nga mihi, Emma.
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bec
Birmingham, UK545 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
If you want to see a Kiwi, this is be best place! We were so so lucky to see the very last chick of the season who was born just the afternoon before. After speaking with the guides it is said to be good all year round as they are always working with the Kiwis. They also have an abundance of other birds, including the notorious Kia bird. The flora and fauna was beautiful and the guided walk was very interesting and fun (our guide was hilarious). Loved the ‘big splash’ ride as an added bonus!
Please do not take any photos of the kiwis! It is enforced here anyway but they said a few weeks prior a kiwi was unfortunately blinded by the flash on someone’s camera who was being sneaky and trying to get a photo.
Please do not take any photos of the kiwis! It is enforced here anyway but they said a few weeks prior a kiwi was unfortunately blinded by the flash on someone’s camera who was being sneaky and trying to get a photo.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Beccib186402, thank you for your review. It's wonderful to hear that you got the opportunity to see a 1 day old kiwi chick and learnt all about our native wildlife at the park. Nga mihi, Emma
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MamaJo35
8 contributions
Dec 2021
We thought we were going to the whole of Rainbow springs, but on arrival we found the car park empty - should of known something wasn't right...when we arrived at counter - we were greeted by a lovely lady when we realized the tickets would only be for a kiwi tour we thought we might as well continue, we had a lovely guide - but tour not really suitable for kids of a young age who don't want to stand around they want to keep moving, would be more suitable for 10+ unless Children are very interested. No much to see or do but listen to the guide, we were lucky to see 2 baby kiwi. Happy to have gone and given a koha to saving the kiwi.
Written January 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am going first week of Sept. Kiwi encounter should be open right? Also, it sounds like I have to pay extra to get there. How much?
Written July 14, 2019
Rainbow.Springs
Rotorua, New Zealand
Kia ora sof_a185
The Kiwi Encounter tour runs throughout the year however from around April to August this is the off season for kiwi breeding and we do not receive any kiwi eggs. The cost to go on this tour is currently an extra $10 on top of your entrance fee to Rainbow Springs nature park.
Ngā mihi nui
Darren
Written July 15, 2019
Bonjour,quels sont les autres animaux qu'on peut voir ?
Written October 28, 2018
Will the Big Splash and Kiwi Encounter be open to visitors in the first week of August this year? What's the price range for a simple lunch at the cafe?
Written May 23, 2018
Yes, absolutely! They have picnic tables inside where you can eat - you're also able to get a ticket that allows you to go in and out for the day so you could always head out to get food then come back to eat it there
Written May 5, 2018
Do I need to buy the tickets in advance if I want to visit the kiwi encounter, or just turn up and purchase the tickets?
Written December 15, 2017
Buy when you arrive plenty of spaces
Written April 1, 2018
How long will i allow to visit Rainbow Springs? I don't want to rush but would like to fit two attractions in on one day. would a morning or afternoon be enough time?
Written November 9, 2017
At least a couple of hours would be plenty of time
Written November 11, 2017
Is Kiwi encounter in daytime? We were going to come in afternoon. We went to Kiwi house in Auckland zoo, it was dark and saw absolutely nothing, it seemed empty, of course the tourist with a flash camera did not help!
Written July 12, 2017
You will defiantly see kiwi prom-as
Written March 14, 2018
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