ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Imagine a lush forest full of rare native wildlife. Discover Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, an ecosanctuary home to over 40 rare native species and 32km of walking tracks. Explore at your own pace or be led by a guide! Our nature experts will show you the best places to spot wildlife like kakariki, tuatara and takahe on a Zealandia by Day tour. Relax at Rātā cafe with delicious food that gives back to conservation, and admire the views over the lake. Browse locally designed art, jewellery, homewares, books, clothes and gifts at the store where the products you buy have purpose and help the sanctuary to operate. For something a little more adventurous, see how the sanctuary transforms after dark on a Zealandia by Night tour and search for thousands of glow worms and over 150 kiwi. Experience this world-renowned conservation success that lies only minutes from Wellington’s CBD. As a not-for-profit, your visit helps us ensure the future flourishing of New Zealand’s native wildlife.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- A J11 contributionsVibrant Bird Life in a Beautiful SettingZealandia was one of my favorite stops during our trip to New Zealand. We saw so many birds, including my new favorite the, Piwakawaka. I could literally watch them all day, but I live in North America so I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen them in person. We also attended a weta talk and the guide was knowledgeable and excited about sharing love of the weta. We got to see some live wetas in the weta hotel. We saw lots of other native birds, and the views are absolutely stunning. Make sure to visit the suspension bridge - the vista looks like a scene from Jurassic Park. It’s incredible how jungly the area appears. I appreciate the work Zealandia does to restore native wildlife and habitat despite the threats from invasive predators. It was incredible to see “wild” New Zealand just a short way from the Wellington CBD.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 19, 2024
- BartonbearsCoffs Harbour, Australia2,770 contributionsA lovely place to spend time and observe native birds and animals.This was our second visit to Zealandia, having come a few years ago during a stay in Wellington. We enjoyed wandering along the many trails, listening to talks by informative guides, observing various birds and, especially, the tuatara. The coffee shop and small museum were also good. We'd certainly recommend spending a couple of hours here.It was a pleasure having you visit! We're ecstatic that you had a wonderful time. We hope for the opportunity to host you again soon!Written March 24, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 20, 2024
- Bryan A23 contributionsGreat cafe and beautiful nature walk!We had a night tour booked, which gives access all day. We started with lunch at the cafe - delicious, creative food! We walked about two hours on well-maintained trails and saw lots of bird life, including takahe. You could walk around for hours, with trails ranging from easy to difficult.Grateful for your visit! Glad to hear you had an enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you again in the near future!Written March 24, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 23, 2024
- Anonymous8551,791 contributionsFantastic free shuttle from 2 starting points, wonderful habitat restoredThank you for the shuttle to enable visitors and locals to come up here. The habitat had walks for all types of fitness or families. Very busy cafe with nice, but disorganized young people trying to manage it the day we were there. We did the self guided daytime and saw several birds. The movie was started by a guide who was taking a walking tour through or we couldn't have seen it. The short films on exhibit were very helpful. Enjoy!Thanks for visiting! So happy you had a great time. Hope to see you again soon! Ngā mihi nui 💚Written December 22, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 27, 2024
- Will KitchenerWellington, New Zealand88 contributionsAn unmissable attraction in WellingtonA superb experience giving an incredible insight into the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. The trees are filled with birds singing which made for fantastic photos and videos. Highly recommend travelling up towards and beyond the upper valley as the paths were so quiet.Thanks for visiting! So happy you had a great time. It's definitely a good idea to go a little further into the valley where there are fewer people and more wildlife, such as our resident takahē pair! 💚Written December 22, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 10, 2024
- Emily5 contributionsA Bird and Nature Oasis in the CityThe birds were literally by their signs! This was such a great way to experience nature in an urban setting. I loved it, and there is so much to learn. The free shuttle was very helpful (be careful to check the timetables because only one of the lines keeps going later in the afternoon). If you're looking to see kiwis, I would recommend coming for a night tour. We missed it unfortunately, but it sounded like they have the gear and experience to be able to find them.Thanks for visiting! So happy you had a great time. Maybe next time you could come for a night tour! Each visitor is given a red wildlife-friendly torch and a radio set to be able to hear the guide and stay quiet as a group. There are usually two guides with one of them scouting for wildlife ahead.Written December 22, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 17, 2024
- Ruben L65 contributionsAmazing nature and well maintained and organized hiking tracksI went there early in the morning till the afternoon and it was awesome. I saw so many different birds and could hear even more of them. No matter where you walk/ hike, it‘s a sound experience in and of itself when you take into account all of the different bird sounds that you literally hear all the time. The tracks themselves are organized and it‘s hard to get lost if you take a good look at the map beforehand, but even if you don‘t, there are many maps with „you are here“ indicators along the way as well. The rainforest like forest that you walk through is also incredible, large ferns, palm trees and various other cool plants surround you at all times. If you are in Wellington, then you definitely have to check it out. I just bought the general admission ticket, which is valid for 48 hours, so I could hike where I wanted to but you can also book a tour. Overall, I definitely recommend visiting the ecosanctuary and just see it for yourself.Thanks for visiting! So happy you had a great time. All our tours also include General Admission the next day and we highly recommend joining a knowledgeable guide who can share lots of stories and point out wildlife to you 💚Written December 22, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Traveled soloWritten September 4, 2024
- Happiness02024602995Rotorua District, New Zealand7 contributionsA must do experience in WellingtonThis was an experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the free shuttle service making it easy to get there to the excellent coffee in the cafe. The philosophy of the place is really awesome and what they have achieved is astounding. I saw so many birds and tuataras close up in their natural habitat it was amazing. The paths were beautiful kept and the walk enjoyable. Almost every bird mentioned on the entrance sheet was spotted. A great very reasonably priced activity for all ages.Thanks for visiting! So happy you had a great time. Hope to see you again soon! Ngā mihi nui 💚Written December 22, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten October 1, 2024
- Martin CCrewe, United Kingdom172 contributionsGood if you are reasonably fit.Very impressive. Good signage. Tuatara easy to see. Good selection of NZ native birds but only in small numbers. Paths good quality but one needs to be reasonably fit as many of the paths are steep. Plenty of toilets Shop disappointing and expensive, with a lot on offer made in China.Thank you for visiting, Martin! We try to make the experience as accessible as we can and offer mobility scooters or special arrangements for those who need them. You can learn more here https://www.visitzealandia.com/Accessibility-at-ZEALANDIA. Upper Valley is where the tracks get quite steep, but you can still see most of our wildlife in the Lower Valley. Our shop sells a variety of things, including those made by local artisans or New Zealand-owned businesses. Hopefully, you found something nice to take home <3WrittenThis response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 11, 2024
- writedesign224 contributionsA Real Highlight!We were on a cruise ship and had to find our way past ship shuttles, the cable car, and a van to take us to the site. It was wonderful!! I'm ready to move to Wellington to become a member! Got to see many new bird species. Did as many trails as I could handle.Thanks for visiting! So happy you had such a great time. You can already become a member to support our mission of restoring the valley and to stay in touch! For your next visit, it might be easier to catch a free shuttle from Wakefield Street near the iSite. Hope to see you again soon! Ngā mihi nui 💚Written December 22, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,938 reviews
Excellent
2,076
Very good
647
Average
146
Poor
46
Terrible
23
Roderick W
London, KY29 contributions
Jan 2023
A great chance to see native New Zealand birds and plants in a natural setting, facilitated by a friendly and informative shuttle bus from Wellington city centre. The Zealandia shuttle runs to time, and is driven by well-informed drivers who can and do give a commentary on places of interest en route. Zealandia has lots of trails of varying length and steepness, and feeding stations where rare birds such as saddlebacks, stitchbirds and kaka can be seen close up. It has a breeding programme for tuataras, New Zealand's unique living dinosaur, and these can be seen sunning themselves at the entrance to their burrows. Altogether a fascinating experience.
Written February 4, 2023
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.
wendy lyons-beck
Tauranga, New Zealand217 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
We booked our tour with a guide,who made the experience educational and fun.She drew our attention to bird songs,habitat and history.We stopped at special places to see birds and tuatara that others passed by. I highly recommend paying for the tour
We saw other people just wandering.
We saw other people just wandering.
Written November 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.
Thanks for visiting ZEALANDIA Wendy, we're thrilled you enjoyed your tour!
Written November 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline L
Melbourne, Australia125 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
An oasis in the city. This sanctuary is a treasure and well worth a visit if you want to experience nature up close, want a break from the city and especially if you are a bird lover. We saw so many species of bird in their natural habitat - this is not a zoo. The kaka feeding stations were a delight and I could have stayed watching the kaka all day. We had a couple of hours allocated but could have spent much more time here.
Written December 4, 2023
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.
Thanks for visiting, Caroline! Happy that you enjoyed your visit. Ngā mihi.
Written December 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seasondtraveller
Paris4,352 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
I did not get to see many birds even though I stayed the whole morning. The birds I did see were not particularly beautiful, apart from a pretty kaka. I did see one takahé but these birds are weird rather than beautiful. I was invited to come back at night on a special tour to see the kiwis, which are nocturnal.
The paths are not always well signed. The vegetation is not as nice as in the more central and free botanical gardens.
The indoor exhibition is very small and not great, the movie is terrible.
The NZD24 entrance fee provides access for two days but I am not at all inclined to come back.
Zealandia is 45mn to one hour walk uphill from downtown but there is a free shuttle.
The paths are not always well signed. The vegetation is not as nice as in the more central and free botanical gardens.
The indoor exhibition is very small and not great, the movie is terrible.
The NZD24 entrance fee provides access for two days but I am not at all inclined to come back.
Zealandia is 45mn to one hour walk uphill from downtown but there is a free shuttle.
Written February 2, 2024
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.
Gwen008
Perth, Australia337 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Zealandia is an amazing place to see and hear NZ birds.
Located on the outskirts of Wellington it's great to see the way it has been fenced off, predators removed and the local birds have found a safe place
It can be reached by car, public bus or the free shuttle bus which leaves at regular times from near the isite and the top of the cable car.
There is little shelter if it's wet so if visiting on a wet day, be sure to have a good raincoat.
There are sealed and unsealed paths to follow- most easy walking, some more challenging. Maps are available from the desk. Be sure to check that any bags have no mice, insects etc to help protect the area.
Even though it was very wet in the day we visited, the birds were about and we could see and hear them easily
There's a very good souvenir shop and an excellent cafe.
Located on the outskirts of Wellington it's great to see the way it has been fenced off, predators removed and the local birds have found a safe place
It can be reached by car, public bus or the free shuttle bus which leaves at regular times from near the isite and the top of the cable car.
There is little shelter if it's wet so if visiting on a wet day, be sure to have a good raincoat.
There are sealed and unsealed paths to follow- most easy walking, some more challenging. Maps are available from the desk. Be sure to check that any bags have no mice, insects etc to help protect the area.
Even though it was very wet in the day we visited, the birds were about and we could see and hear them easily
There's a very good souvenir shop and an excellent cafe.
Written April 1, 2023
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.
geezergal55
hobe sound florida176 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is a worthwhile place to visit to support their conservation work BUT they really need better organization! The free shuttle is a joke. It seats only 10 people so 5 were left behind when we boarded at the tourist office in the morning. The last shuttle returns to town from Zealandia at 2:15. At 1:15 20+ people were waiting in line! Only 1/2 fit on the shuttle bus! The rest had to wait another hour, meantime even more people showed up. We left & took a city bus back to town. They have 2 busses but only run one. :(
Written September 28, 2023
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.
We’re glad you enjoyed your visit but appreciate your experience with the shuttle was not the best.
Our free shuttle was originally provided to help make Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne more accessible for those coming from the city. With the shuttle route from the city combined with the shuttle route from the top of the cable car, we’re able to assist a small number of visitors each day with a free service to access the sanctuary. There are also bus routes from the city that stop at the end of Waiapu Road, and the Cable Car is a 20-25 min walk away.
As a conservation charity, we have limited funds and staffing to be able to provide this service at an increased frequency. We know our visitors would love to see more trips!
In any case, thank you for your feedback.
Written October 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RickPamFin1
Nelson, New Zealand54 contributions
Nov 2020
We visited Zealandia Ecosantuary in Nov 2020. We caught the free transfer bus from the city I site. The driver was very chatty and advised us to do a guided tour, which we did and loved it. Our tour guide was very knowledgable and very aproachable. I would definately recommend the guided 2 hour tour, it is money well spent($55 each). Your ticket also gives you entry for the next day if you want to go back.
Written November 25, 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.
Thanks for visiting Rick, we're glad you enjoyed your tour!
Written November 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy Q
Sydney, Australia552 contributions
Feb 2023
A few hours in Zealandia was a very, very pleasant way to spend time in Wellington. It's a big beautiful reserve with the options to walk on wide gentle paths or some somewhat steeper walkways. If you don't see birds or hear hundreds of them, you really aren't trying hard enough. We loved meeting the native Takahē and seeing the Kākā, surprisingly graceful in flight considering their full bodies. The free shuttle to town and back is a nice service too.
Written February 5, 2023
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.
Beck
6 contributions
Sep 2020
I've always heard good things about Zealandia, but I suppose I figured it was just a nice bush walk at most. How wrong I was! This place is absolutely STUNNING, the upper reservoir alone is enough to have me purchasing an annual membership so I can come back again and again. The staff were incredibly helpful and clearly dedicated to nurturing our native bird population back to health.
Being able to see the rare Takehes was an extra special treat that I really enjoyed. Overall, I absolutely recommend visiting if you're in Wellington for the weekend, and if you're a local... get the annual membership pass! My only issue is that I wish I'd done it sooner!
Being able to see the rare Takehes was an extra special treat that I really enjoyed. Overall, I absolutely recommend visiting if you're in Wellington for the weekend, and if you're a local... get the annual membership pass! My only issue is that I wish I'd done it sooner!
Written September 20, 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! Thanks for supporting us by becoming a member - we can't wait to see you around the sanctuary!
Written September 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
joharaje
Hamilton, New Zealand51 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I didn't do a tour and made my way around the sanctuary by myself.
Lots of birds could be seen with lots of resting spots. I'm not sure a tour is required is my feeling.
Some of the tracks were closed and some were quite muddy due to the recent bad weather.
I would recommend good walking shoes and take snacks and water as apart from the Cafe (I didn't eat there), there aren't any options.
I spent about 3 hours at the site and the ticket can be used the next day.
Lots of birds could be seen with lots of resting spots. I'm not sure a tour is required is my feeling.
Some of the tracks were closed and some were quite muddy due to the recent bad weather.
I would recommend good walking shoes and take snacks and water as apart from the Cafe (I didn't eat there), there aren't any options.
I spent about 3 hours at the site and the ticket can be used the next day.
Written April 1, 2023
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.
Is there parking outside of the city where I can walk to Zealandia?
Written February 25, 2020
Yes, but it is extremely limited. Most people take the Wellington cable car and then the free shuttle bus. The car car is very safe and only travels a couple of metres above the ground.
Written March 3, 2020
Hello, is there foreign language guided tour? Or an interpretation machine to hire? Thanks
Written January 8, 2020
The guides are local volunteers. You should ask at the main office to see if there are any that speak other languages.
Written January 9, 2020
What’s it like on a wet day? Thinking of going today.. first time with 5 & 6 year olds on a wet day?
Written April 21, 2019
Hello, did you end up going? It would have been difficult in some places if the rain was heavy. There were light showers when we were there and the tree canopy totally protected the ground.
Regards,
Jackie
Written May 16, 2019
I read there is a free courtesy bus from the cable car out to Zealandia and if that is still the case how long does it take to get there and approx. how long should we allow to visit and get back if we are on a cruise ship. We wanted to go out in the afternoon after a morning tour of the city would we have enough time? Thank you so much for your time and info
Written March 2, 2019
THe free bus ride is short no more than 5 to 10 mins and regular to and from Zealandia to the cable car summit. Yes can be done in the afternoon no later than 2 pm bus leaving for Zealandia. If you want to do the full walk in the nature reserve it takes around 50 mins to one hour. If you want to just see the Zealandia museum exhibits 20-30 mins is more than enough.Doing the full walk and museum will around 80 to 90 mins.
Written March 3, 2019
What is the best tour to take to see the most birds - day, twilight, or night tour?
Written November 2, 2018
You definitely get to see a selection of birds during a day tour, make sure to keep a look out as birds are working away through the bark and what not :) As for seeing a kiwi, I haven't managed to see one there yet...next time. Zealandia is very tranquil too.
Written November 13, 2018
Hi, kiwis are frequently (about 80% of the time) spotted on our ZEALANDIA By Night tours. They are nocturnal, so cannot be seen during the day.
Thanks for your question.
Written November 1, 2018
Should I go there if it is raining?
Written March 10, 2017
Absolutely go there if raining. We are locals and we time our visits for rain - partly to avoid other people! Seriously, the birds are more likely to be out n about if less people. Just dress for the conditions. My other local tips are a) see the kaka feeding and b) go up deeper into the Sanctuary if time allows. The further you go in, the better it gets😁
Written March 13, 2017
I know kiwis are nocturnal, but is it possible to see them at all during the day? Or is it definitely better to go with the night tour to spot them?
If visiting during the day, is the guided tour worth it or would wandering in the park by ourselves give us access to the same areas?
Written February 23, 2017
Wandering by yourself in the park should give you access to all of the same places, I think.
About the kiwis: They are definitely only active at night, but if you don't want to go on an evening tour, you might want to try going to a kiwi house (environment darkened for kiwis during our day) instead. There are quite a few throughout NZ.
Written February 23, 2017
Isnight better than a day tour.
I am in Wilmington inlay for two days staying in and.what about transport?THANX and answer fast .
Written November 25, 2016
Cant saw only went during the day, although at night you can spot kiwi. There is a free shuttle, I took an uber.
Written December 2, 2016
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