Zealandia — Te Māra a Tāne is a wildlife ecosanctuary in the Karori suburb of Wellington, about 2.5 kilometres from the city centre. It is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, enclosed by an 8.6-kilometre predator-proof fence that has allowed the reintroduction of species extinct on the mainland for generations. Inside the sanctuary, you can walk among tuatara, watch kiwi on guided night tours, and encounter kākā, kererū, tūī, little spotted kiwi and dozens of other native species in a valley that was once cleared farmland and reservoir catchment.
Practical Information
| Location | 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Getting There | Drive or take bus 3 from central Wellington to Karori; 10-minute walk from Karori shops |
| Parking | Free on-site parking at the sanctuary entrance |
| Entry | Adults approx. NZ$21–$24; children approx. NZ$10–$12; family passes available; under-5s free (check current prices at zealandia.nz) |
| Hours | Open daily, 9am–5pm (last entry 4pm); night tours available separately |
| Facilities | Café, museum and education centre, toilets, shop, guided tour options |
| Night Tours | Available most evenings — book in advance at zealandia.nz; kiwi sighting rates are high |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
About Zealandia
The sanctuary covers 225 hectares of forested valley enclosed by a pest-proof fence designed to exclude rats, stoats, weasels, possums and cats. Since the fence was completed in 1999, more than 40 species of native wildlife have been reintroduced, including species not seen in the Wellington region for over a century. The project has been transformative not only within the fence but across the wider city — the birds bred inside the sanctuary have spread throughout Wellington’s suburbs, creating what conservationists describe as a “halo effect” of returning native wildlife.
Zealandia contains two historic reservoirs that supplied Wellington’s water from the 1870s to the 1980s. The valley setting, combined with the fence and decades of pest control, has allowed the regeneration of native forest that would otherwise be impossible in an urban environment. The sanctuary has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 greatest places in the world.
Wildlife
The sanctuary is home to tuatara (the only surviving species of an ancient reptile lineage), little spotted kiwi, kākā, hihi (stitchbird), saddleback (tīeke), kākāriki, wētā and many other species. Kākā in particular are now a common sight across Wellington — the city’s urban kākā population is almost entirely descended from birds bred at Zealandia. Little spotted kiwi are among the most abundant kiwi in New Zealand by density, with the Zealandia population forming the core of a species recovery programme.
Night tours (booked separately) offer high sighting rates for kiwi — reportedly over 80% — along with tuatara, little blue penguins and other nocturnal species. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides and last approximately two hours.
Tracks
The sanctuary has more than 30 kilometres of walking tracks ranging from flat lakeside paths to longer bush climbs. Most visitors complete a 1–2 hour loop that covers the key wildlife viewing areas around the lower reservoir. Longer routes extend through regenerating bush and offer elevated views over the valley and city. All tracks are well maintained and signposted.
Zealandia (zealandia.nz) has current entry prices, opening hours, night tour bookings and conservation news. Booking in advance for night tours is strongly recommended, especially in summer.
What Visitors Say
FAQ
How much does Zealandia cost?
Adult day entry is approximately NZ$21–$24 and children approximately NZ$10–$12. Night tours are priced separately and require advance booking. Check zealandia.nz for current prices.
How long should I allow for a Zealandia visit?
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours on a self-guided daytime visit. A guided night tour takes approximately two hours.
Is Zealandia suitable for children?
Yes — the sanctuary is popular with families. Children under 5 are free. The main tracks are manageable for older children, though some sections are hilly.
Do I need to book for a night tour at Zealandia?
Yes — night tours book out, especially in peak season. Book well in advance through the Zealandia website.
What is the kiwi sighting rate on Zealandia night tours?
Zealandia reports sighting rates of over 80% for little spotted kiwi on night tours. Sightings are never guaranteed but are common.
How do I get to Zealandia from central Wellington?
Bus 3 from Lambton Quay goes to Karori — from the Karori shops it’s about a 10-minute walk to the sanctuary entrance. By car it is about 10 minutes from the CBD.
Zealandia is the heart of Wellington’s wildlife recovery — see Wellington Parks and Reserves for more green spaces. The birds that breed here can often be spotted at Polhill Reserve and Otari-Wilton’s Bush nearby.