Last updated July 2026
Zealandia — Te Māra a Tāne is a 225-hectare 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 completed in 1999 that has enabled the reintroduction of dozens of native species. Inside the sanctuary, visitors can walk among tuatara, spot kākā and other birds on self-guided tracks, and join guided night tours to see nocturnal species including little spotted kiwi. The valley was once cleared farmland and a reservoir catchment, and the project has created a halo effect with native birds now thriving across Wellington suburbs.
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 visitzealandia.com) |
| Hours | Open daily 9:00am–4:30pm (last entry 4:00pm) except Christmas Day; night tours available separately |
| Facilities | Café, visitor centre, toilets, shop, guided tour options |
| Night Tours | Available most evenings — book in advance at visitzealandia.com; kiwi sightings common on most tours |
| 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, cats and other introduced mammals. Since the fence was completed in August 1999, more than 40 species of native wildlife have been recorded, with many reintroduced after being absent from the Wellington region for generations. The project has transformed the site and contributed to a wider recovery of native birds across the city.
Zealandia contains two historic reservoirs that supplied Wellington’s water from the 1870s until the 1980s. The valley setting, combined with the fence and ongoing pest control, has allowed native forest regeneration in an urban environment. The sanctuary was named one of Time magazine’s 100 greatest places in the world in 2019.
Zealandia operates as a not-for-profit conservation project with a long-term vision to restore the valley’s biodiversity. It offers self-guided access during the day and specialised night tours, with facilities including a café and education centre at the entrance.
Wildlife
The sanctuary supports tuatara, little spotted kiwi, kākā, hihi (stitchbird), tīeke (saddleback), kākāriki, wētā and many other native species. Kākā populations bred at Zealandia have spread throughout Wellington, making the city one of the few places where native bird numbers are increasing. Little spotted kiwi are among the most abundant kiwi by density in New Zealand, supporting broader species recovery efforts.
Night tours, booked separately, provide opportunities to see nocturnal species including tuatara, little spotted kiwi and glowworms. Sightings of kiwi occur on most tours, though they are never guaranteed as the birds range freely across large territories. Tours last approximately two hours and are led by guides.
Tracks
The sanctuary has 32 kilometres of walking tracks ranging from flat lakeside paths to longer bush climbs. Most visitors complete a 1–2 hour loop covering 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, with maps available on site or via the official website.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently describe daytime walks as rewarding for close encounters with kākā, tuatara and other birds along well-maintained paths. Many highlight the night tours as a standout experience for seeing kiwi and nocturnal wildlife in a natural setting, noting the knowledgeable guides and the contrast with typical urban visits.
Families and repeat visitors often mention the sanctuary’s accessibility for different fitness levels, the variety of birdlife, and the sense of contributing to conservation through entry fees and memberships. Reviews commonly note the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to observe species rarely seen elsewhere on the mainland.
Where to Learn More
Visit Zealandia: Official site with current opening hours, ticket prices, night tour bookings, track maps and conservation updates.
Wellington City Council: Historical overview of the Karori reservoirs and sanctuary development.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 visitzealandia.com 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?
Kiwi are seen on most tours, though sightings are never guaranteed. Sightings of other nocturnal species such as tuatara are also common.
How do I get to Zealandia from central Wellington?
Bus 3 from Lambton Quay goes to Karori — from the Karori shops it is about a 10-minute walk to the sanctuary entrance. By car it is about 10 minutes from the CBD.
Are there facilities at Zealandia?
Yes — there is a café, visitor centre with exhibits, toilets, a shop and free parking at the entrance.
Is Zealandia wheelchair accessible?
Some tracks and facilities are accessible; check the official website for current accessibility information and maps.
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