The Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary Experience

What is the Experience?

With 225 hectares of fenced bush in this world-first protected valley, Zealandia is a special place that recreates New Zealand wilderness as it was before people had a significant impact on it.

Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary is a New Zealand wildlife tour just minutes from the centre of our capital city, Wellington. The evening sanctuary tour is a night time experience you will never forget.

The tour will start with a chance to listen to birdsong that was absent from the mainland for more than a century. Your local guide will then take you on a 45-minute torch-light walk and talk tour where you will get to see some of New Zealand’s rarest native birds, reptiles and insects.

Although this is a fenced-off area, the wildlife live freely in their natural environment. Possible sightings include kiwi, tuatara, glow worms, tiny Maud Island frogs, pāteke (brown teal ducks), and kākā (parrots).

Where is it located?

For night tours, we recommend booking a taxi. However, If you're doing a day tour you can get return shuttles from Wellington I-site or ride the famous Cable Car. It takes take approximately 15-20 minutes to get to Zealandia from Wellington CBD.

Who would enjoy this?

The Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary is great for families, with children of all ages, and anyone with an interest in wildlife and the natural environment. You can spend a couple of hours here or even the full day if you are a real bird lover.

Interesting Fact

Zealandia has been voted one of the top 25 eco-restoration projects in Australasia.