Staglands Wildlife Reserve is a family-focused wildlife park in the Akatarawa Valley near Upper Hutt, about 45 minutes from Wellington. It sits within native forest and river bush and focuses on threatened New Zealand species — particularly rare birds like whio (blue duck) and kea — alongside a collection of rare heritage animal breeds. The setting is distinctly different from a conventional zoo: the park is built into the valley landscape, with wetlands, aviaries, deer paddocks, and a recreated pioneer village spread through the bush.
Practical Information
| Location | Akatarawa Valley, Upper Hutt — approximately 45 minutes from Wellington |
| Open hours | Daily 9:30am – 5:00pm |
| Café hours | 10:00am – 4:30pm daily |
| Adult entry (17+) | $29 |
| Children (4–16 years) | $12 |
| Under 4 | Free |
| Family pass (2 adults + up to 3 children) | $82 |
| Seniors and students | $24 |
| Tractor-trailer rides | Free — weekends, school holidays and public holidays, 11:30am – 3:30pm |
| Lunchtime Feed Tour | Free, daily — approximately 25 minutes |
| Website | staglands.co.nz |
About Staglands Wildlife Reserve
The reserve is spread across a forested hillside and valley floor, with different habitats supporting different animals. The native bird section includes aviaries and wetland areas housing whio, pāteke (brown teal), kea, scaup, and grey teal — several of which are threatened species. The whio is particularly significant: these blue ducks are endemic to New Zealand and found only in fast-flowing mountain rivers, making them difficult to see in the wild. Staglands is one of the more accessible places to see them close up.
The rare heritage breeds section covers animals that were once common in New Zealand farming but are now rare in their domestic forms — including Kunekune pigs, Auckland Island pigs, and Arapawa Island goats — alongside more familiar farmyard animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, peacocks, and piglets. Trout and eels are visible in the reserve’s pools. The atmosphere is more like a working historic farm than a sterile zoo enclosure, and children are encouraged to interact with animals in designated areas.
The recreated pioneer village and narrow-gauge railway running through the bush add a distinctive character that goes beyond standard wildlife viewing. The free Lunchtime Feed Tour runs daily for approximately 25 minutes and is a good way to learn about the animals and which ones need conservation attention. Free tractor-trailer rides run on weekends, school holidays and public holidays from 11:30am to 3:30pm.
Planning a Visit to Staglands
Allow 2–3 hours minimum for a proper visit, or the better part of a day if children are involved. The Lunchtime Feed Tour is worth timing your arrival around — it leaves daily and lasts about 25 minutes. On weekends and school holidays, the tractor-trailer ride through the reserve is a highlight for younger visitors. The on-site café serves food from 10am, making Staglands a natural lunch stop on an Upper Hutt day out. The reserve is well signposted from Upper Hutt township on the road into Akatarawa.
What Visitors Say
“A really special place. The whio and kea were highlights — you just don’t see them this close anywhere else. The kids loved feeding the animals and the tractor ride. Worth every cent.”
“The setting in the Akatarawa Valley is stunning. Add the native birds, the heritage breeds, the pioneer village — it’s a genuinely unique afternoon out from Wellington. The staff clearly love the animals.”
Where to Learn More
Staglands Wildlife Reserve — Plan Your Visit — official website with current entry prices, opening hours, events calendar, and everything you need to know before arriving.
Wellington NZ — Staglands Wildlife Reserve — visitor overview from the official Wellington tourism site, with photos and planning tips.
TripAdvisor — Staglands Wildlife Reserve — visitor reviews with recent accounts of the animals, activities, and what to expect on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Staglands Wildlife Reserve cost?
Adults $29, children (4–16 years) $12, under 4 free. Family passes (2 adults + up to 3 children) are $82. Seniors and students pay $24. Tractor-trailer rides and the Lunchtime Feed Tour are free.
What time does Staglands Wildlife Reserve open?
The reserve opens at 9:30am daily and closes at 5pm. The café opens at 10am and closes at 4:30pm.
What animals are at Staglands Wildlife Reserve?
Native birds including whio, kea, pāteke, scaup, and grey teal. Rare heritage breeds such as Kunekune pigs, Auckland Island pigs, and Arapawa Island goats. Also farmyard animals, trout, and eels in the pools.
How far is Staglands from Wellington?
About 40–45 minutes by car from Wellington CBD, via Upper Hutt and into the Akatarawa Valley.
Is Staglands Wildlife Reserve good for young children?
Yes — it is particularly well suited to families with young children. There are hands-on animal interactions, free tractor-trailer rides on weekends and school holidays, and the setting is easy to navigate.
Does Staglands have a café?
Yes — there is an on-site café open daily from 10am to 4:30pm.
Is Staglands Wildlife Reserve worth visiting?
For families and anyone interested in rare New Zealand birds and heritage breeds, yes. The whio and kea are particularly hard to see in the wild, and the Akatarawa Valley setting is beautiful. Allow at least 2–3 hours.
For more things to do around Wellington, see the full Things to Do in Wellington guide. Kaitoke Regional Park is located nearby in the Upper Hutt area and makes a good pairing for a full day out.
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