zealandia by night tour

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Albom Adventures

Capturing the essence of travel through photography

Inspiring New Zealand travel through photography

Zealandia Day vs Night Tour Review: NZ Wildlife in a Natural Habitat

Tucked up over the city of Wellington is Zealandia, an ecosanctuary reminiscent of the days before humans arrived in New Zealand. A predator-proof fence surrounds the Zealandia sanctuary, creating an “island” within New Zealand’s capital city and allowing birds and other native creatures to live wild as nature intended.

Whether you are a nature or history lover, bird watcher, or just a visitor, Zealandia Wellington is a must-see. It is much more than a bird sanctuary, filled with New Zealand flora and fauna (birds, reptiles and insects); it is a paradise a world apart from the city below.

Visitors choose between day and night entry. Each is a unique experience with its own advantages. We have done both and share our thoughts below.

However, you can reserve your ticket now if you already know your choice.

As American expats who have been living in and exploring NZ for over 20 years, we see things from both a local’s perspective and from that of a visitor. Therefore, we understand what it’s like to come here and have things be similar, but not always exactly what we are used to. We share the information on this page from this perspective.

Zealandia day vs night highlights

Before I go into our experiences on each, I thought I would share our summary. First is the bottom line. We loved both options. Zealandia is magical no matter when you visit.

However, if I had to choose only one, I would recommend the night tour for most visitors, as it is one of the most unique things we have ever done.

Zealandia daytime visit

Advantages of a daytime visit

• Option for a 2-hour guided tour or general admission pass allowing self-guided walks through the grounds.
• Birds you might see during the day: Takahē, tui, Kākā, Kākāriki, Saddleback, Whitehead, Kererū, Hihi, Bellbird
• Also, you might see tuatara and wētā
• Small groups with a maximum of 12 people per tour.
• No minimum age.
• There is a free shuttle to Zealandia during the day.

Disadvantages of a daytime visit

• You miss the opportunity to see and hear the nocturnal animals
• You must leave the park by 5pm in the summer, 4.30 after May 1.

Zealandia night visit

Advantages of a night visit

• Guided 2.5-hour tour.
• About 80% of night tours see at least one of Zealandia’s 150 little spotted kiwi birds.
• Other birds you might see include: morepork, Pāteke, Takahē and Kākā
• Other night creatures, you might see include: wētā, glow worms, Maud Island Frog, and tuatara
• Special lights are provided to each participant.
• End the tour with a cup of hot kawakawa (bushman’s tea)

Disadvantages of a night visit

• No option for self-guided entry
• For families, the minimum age is 12.
• No shuttle option at night.
• More expensive
• Requires more planning and pre-booking as it frequently sells out.
• The Zealandia Cafe (Rātā Cafe) is closed at night. However, the gift shop remains open.

Zealandia night tour – our experience

Setting out at dusk, we got to watch the forest transition to nighttime.

As the nocturnal creatures awaken, Zealandia by night becomes a different place. Like walking through an enchanted forest, the sights and sounds of the park at night were intriguing.

Every night is different. Our extremely knowledgeable guide had a keen eye for spotting wildlife, and she could identify bird calls for us, a skill I simply don’t possess on my own.

But more important to our wonderful evening was her passion for wildlife, conservation, and the entire ecosystem that surrounded us.

Highlights of our Zealandia night tour

Red light torches are provided to all tour participants. The red light allows us to see without affecting our night vision and does not disturb the animals.

After watching a short film, we headed into the sanctuary with torches (flashlights). Our Zealandia night tour’s first stop was a beautiful vantage point looking out over much of the ecosanctuary.

Then we continued our amazing walk. Some of the highlights included spotting Tui, kaka, pied shags, North Island robins, kereru (wood pigeon), and Takahe. We also heard the morepork owl’s call and six kiwi birds’ calls, although we didn’t see any that night. (If you have the same luck, here are more places to see kiwi )

Our guide also pointed out eels, reptiles, insects like the tree weta, stick insects, several species of spiders, and various native plants.

Zealandia eco-sanctuary by day

Our daytime visit was a few years ago, but little has changed since then as Zealandia’s conservation project is a 500-year vision for full regrowth to a self-sustaining ecosystem as it was before human inhabitants.

Zealandia is still one of my favourite places to visit in Wellington .

In addition to the eco-sanctuary, access to the educational exhibition hall (created by the designers of the LOTR Exhibition) is included in your entrance fee.

For me, the guided tour really brought the park to life. Just like at night, without the passionate guide, I wouldn’t have seen nearly as much as I did.

Our guide identified both plant and animal life.

She pointed out rare and endangered species as well as more common ones like the Silver Fern, a national symbol of New Zealand that is identified by the green upper and silver underside leaves.

We walked along the gentle sloping tracks. Sometimes she spoke, other times in silence that was frequently interrupted by songbirds.

The crisp, fresh air makes it difficult to remember that this Wellington sanctuary is only 10 minutes from the city centre.

Before we left, she even showed us an entrance into the abandoned mine which is now home to the cave wētā., but I am not sure this is currently included in daytime tours.

A few of the inhabitants of Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

Some of the animals we saw that are photoed below include:

• This shag and baby in a nest are some of the many NZ native birds found here.
• Reintroduced to Zealandia in 2002, the kākā had effectively been extinct in Wellington since the early 20th century. It is a North Island bird and is related to the alpine parrot, kea. Often heard before seen, kākā makes a somewhat screechy sound which you can hear here .
• The critically endangered takahe.
• I saw a saddleback at Zealandia, up in the trees. I could see either head or body, but never both, so this photo is from the Zealandia media pack.
• This is the first tuatara I have seen outside of an enclosure. I could clearly see the spines on his back without the glass that usually separates us at other locations.

Getting to Zealandia in Wellington

• The Zealandia entrance is at 53 Waiapu Road.
• There is a small parking lot on site. We found the Zealandia free shuttle very easy to use for our daytime visit. Plus, the cable car stops nearby.
• About 500 active volunteers and 50 staff members support this wildlife sanctuary.
• Zealandia is formerly known as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.

General tips for visiting the ecosanctuary

• Allocate a minimum of two hours for your visit. Nature lovers could easily spend the entire day.
• Regardless of when you visit, wear comfortable walking shoes. The main trail is a gentle grade and very easy to navigate. However, it is unpaved, so the ground can be uneven. If you are into tramping, there are more difficult trails that recommend walking boots. They also have a wheelchair-accessible path.
• Bring a drink bottle and a jumper (jacket) as the Wellington weather is unpredictable. Note that the tours run in all weather
• Twilight tours and Kids’ night walks (school holidays) are for children as young as 5 years old.

Can’t get to Wellington – Check out these options

While Zealandia is truly special, it’s not the only fabulous eco-sanctuary in New Zealand. In fact, we have been to two others that remind us of Zealandia while we were there.

Just outside of Dunedin is Orokonui Ecosanctuary a self-sustaining ecosystem supporting many rare and endangered native plants and animals, particularly many of the South Island native species.

In the Auckland region, there is the island of Tiritiri Matangi . Now an open bird sanctuary island, it is home to many of the same native species.

Similarly, two of the Auckland regional parks now have predator-proof fences, thus creating open bird sanctuaries. These are Shakespear Park at the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula and Tāwharanui Regional Park a bit farther north and east of Warkworth .

Save on your NZ trip with these resources

These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

• Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
• Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget).
• Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
• Motorcycles : we have heard good things about BikesBooking .
• Campervans or Motorhomes : we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
• Activity discounts : we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
• Private guides : we love the private guides at Tours by Locals .
• Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

Save for later

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

Will you take the Zealandia day or night tour?

For more on New Zealand, start here: New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures , or you might like …

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Sandboarding at Te Paki Sand Dunes, New Zealand

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Zealandia for the purposes of writing this article. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

For more tips … join Explore New Zealand, the country’s largest NZ travel and photography group on Facebook (free).

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Mary {The World Is A Book}

May 4, 2018 at 12:34 pm

This looks like such a great place to visit during both day and night. I like that the animals are roaming freely. It’s a great way to see some of the local animals and some I’ve never heard before. We always enjoy night tours with animals so if given the choice, I would definitely do this.

Wayne Olson

May 2, 2018 at 7:37 pm

Wow! This would be an interesting adventure to learn more about the animals (I would love to see a Kiwi!) 🙂

Best wishes, Wayne!

Comedy Plus

April 30, 2018 at 10:38 am

I want to go during the day and then at night. I would love this place.

Have a fabulous day. 😎

April 30, 2018 at 8:41 am

I like to idea of a night tour in a place like Zealandia Ecosanctuary. I’m sure you get to see way more animals than you would during the day. Isn’t it a little scary though? How about if you step on a snake? Brrrr! My husband always keeps pushing me to go and explore some wild areas by night with him, when we travel. But I always refuse. Just the two of us in the wilderness at night seems scary, but in a guided tour it’s different.

Rhonda Albom

May 1, 2018 at 10:11 pm

New Zealand is one of only three countries in the world that has no snakes, so no worries there.

California Globetrotter

April 29, 2018 at 8:27 pm

How awesome is this animal sanctuary!? I love that its a protected area where so many different types of species have a place they can call home!

April 29, 2018 at 12:53 pm

Wasn’t that the bridge that Dean Waratini stood on for one of his songs in the 1970s? It looks familiar…

April 30, 2018 at 6:27 am

I am so impressed that you remember that moment and song. I had to look it up, and I think you are correct. Hre is the Bridge: https://youtu.be/U2VKY1iCUG4

April 29, 2018 at 6:48 am

I would be all about visiting Zealandia if I were to make my way to New Zealand. And I know my husband would put this high on his list also. Looks like a very interesting, and cool, place to visit.

April 29, 2018 at 7:24 am

Jill, perhaps it’s time for a trip to New Zealand?

Paul Pietrangelo

April 29, 2018 at 2:50 am

So many interesting things to show and explain to. To take photos at night are amazing Rhonda. Thank you for doing and showing us this amazing things because I doubt that I’ll ever be there to see them myself. See ya.

Cruisin Paul

The night photos were a bit difficult to take, so I was glad they offered me access to a few media shots. And, you never know. You and Mary love to cruise, perhaps a long cruise to New Zealand someday? Wellington is usually a stop on the itinerary.

April 30, 2018 at 1:47 am

You know Rhonda, I’ll just sit down and think about that. Maybe someday we’ll even get a chance to meet you and we could sit down to lunch. See ya.

Wednesday Elf

April 29, 2018 at 1:33 am

Rhonda, thanks for introducing me to Zealandia. How wonderful that a place has been created and set aside to save and preserve the natural flora, fauna and wildlife of the area. Beautiful photos as always and delightful narration of what you saw and what a visitor can expect to experience.

April 29, 2018 at 7:23 am

It is such a fascinating place to visit and see nature the way it was intended.

Ryan Biddulph

April 28, 2018 at 5:52 pm

We saw so many shags yesterday down at, of course, Shag Point 😉 Of course we saw the Moeraki Boulders too. Impressive as can be. The boulders, those shags and the many fur seals laying out and resting. Zealandia is noted for our house sit at Paekakariki in about 2 weeks. Looks like a winner! Thanks for sharing.

April 28, 2018 at 6:38 pm

Day or night, you will love Zealandia. If you go in the day, be sure to take one of the tours (they are included in the entrance fee). As for the Moeraki Boulders – I love them. It is one of my favourite spots in New Zealand.

Sanjana @ Green Global Travel

May 13, 2015 at 4:43 am

Great post and lovely pictures! Sounds like it was a fun visit!

March 10, 2015 at 7:48 am

What a neat place! Love those birds!

March 10, 2015 at 1:31 pm

There were so many more interesting birds that we saw, hiding in the trees, making it super difficult to get great photos.

March 8, 2015 at 10:51 pm

I spent 10 days in Wellington a few years ago. I really wanted to get to Zealandia but my schedule didn’t allow it. I missed out. I’ll have to get back there one day and make time to visit. How lovely to see those “sanctuary birds” how sad that they need to be “sanctuary birds”.

March 8, 2015 at 11:11 pm

Too bad, it is really a neat place. It’s like traveling really far away, yet only going a few minutes outside of the city.

Julie K Pick

March 8, 2015 at 10:36 pm

Lots of unusual birds and creatures! My favorite is the Kaka.

KVVS MURTHY

March 8, 2015 at 6:26 pm

Very beautiful pictures..and with your account of details about the place..!

March 8, 2015 at 1:49 am

Such wonderfully exotic photos! Thanks for posting them.

March 8, 2015 at 10:45 am

Living here in New Zealand, they don’t feel that exotic to me, but they are special as so many are endangered.

March 7, 2015 at 10:14 am

You got some beautiful pictures here 🙂 love the bird close up’s…

March 7, 2015 at 9:25 am

Wow, what an adventure. I like to see wild, rare animals too, but I must admit I’m more comfortable when they’re inside a cage or behind the bar. Not that I support animal caging but I’m just a scaredy cat when it comes to unfamiliar animals.

Anyway, good for you to have enjoyed this kind of activity outdoor.

March 7, 2015 at 1:48 pm

Remember there are no large indigenous mammals in New Zealand, so not much here that can do more damage than a peck, and few of the birds or critters would ever both people.

March 6, 2015 at 11:04 am

Would love to visit New Zealand some day.

March 6, 2015 at 12:53 pm

I hope you get here, there are so many amazing things to see and do in New Zealand. Zealandia is just on of the highlights.

Lisa Howard

March 6, 2015 at 6:06 am

I love the shot of the Kākā. That’s a cool looking bird!

March 6, 2015 at 9:00 am

I agree, he is a cool looking bird, although he looks quite a bit like his cousin the Kea. On the South Island they are known for picking at the rubber which holds the windscreen (front window) onto the car.

March 6, 2015 at 4:03 am

Wonderful capture the natural, beautiful pictures and great tour!

travelFREAK

March 5, 2015 at 11:48 pm

Fantastic post, Rhonda! Extremely useful for people looking for adventure!

March 5, 2015 at 8:10 pm

nice place! PAUL SACHS

March 5, 2015 at 3:04 pm

Very cool photos.

March 5, 2015 at 1:09 pm

Oh yes, I would visit here if I could. I’d spend more than a couple of hours too. What great shots.

Sarah E. Albom

March 5, 2015 at 1:08 pm

Cool photos 🙂 I love that picture of the Kākā especially; it’s definitely my favourite. And good tips. Zealandia was an awesome reserve!

March 5, 2015 at 12:53 pm

Love the photos of the birds and the little dinosaur – somehow this reminds me of the movie Jurassic Park. Your tips for visiting are great!

Alex J. Cavanaugh

March 5, 2015 at 12:52 pm

You have so many animals not found anywhere else in the world. Impressive for a couple of large islands. Glad the Shags weren’t shagging at the time…

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Zealandia By Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

Taking a night tour of Zealandia wildlife eco-sanctuary is an unforgettable experience and one that comes highly recommended. A conservation success and safe haven for some of New Zealand's rarest native animals, Zealandia is home to many remarkable species of birds, reptiles and insects living wild within a beautiful 225 hectare (one square mile) valley, just 10 minutes from the central city. Your tour begins with an interactive exhibition before you walk through the gates of Zealandia predator-exclusion fence into the sanctuary. Your guide will then lead you on a torch-light walk through the native New Zealand bush. Possible sights include Kiwi foraging on the forest floor, tuatara hunting for food, glowworms shining, tiny Maud Island frogs in their enclosure, pateke (brown teal) ducks feeding at night and kaka (parrots) coming in to roost. Zealandia is one of the best places to see kiwi in the wild. Over 100 of these nocturnal birds live freely in their natural environment inside the safety of the sanctuary valley, so your chances of seeing one are high!

Change location

• UK / International
• Call toll-free until 5pm EDT 617-223-4521 617-223-4580 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Zealandia Night Tour

Zealandia, which encompasses the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, is an urban wildlife haven where some of New Zealand's most endangered native animals thrive in this predator-free environment.

The guided night tour begins with highlights of the fully immersive and interactive exhibition, where you will discover how this safe haven was created. Then step through the predator-exclusion fence into the forest, where you will experience something incredible — evening birdsong that hasn't been heard on the mainland for more than a century. As darkness falls, your guide will start looking for New Zealand's elusive national mascot, the kiwi. Over 100 call the valley home, so there's a good chance of spotting one, foraging in the leaf litter. Often the glow-worms are so bright you won't even need your torch.

This is an utterly unforgettable experience — New Zealand at its very best.

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists

• 617-223-4521 617-223-4580
• Make an inquiry

Photos of Zealandia Night Tour

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Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour

• Torches/flashlights supplied
• Guided walking tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition and Sanctuary Valley
• Entry/Admission - ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand The ZEALANDIA Visitors Centre is located at the end of Waiapu Road.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Wear sturdy footwear, bring extra layers of clothing and a waterproof jacket. Torches (flashlights) are supplied
• Minimum age is 12 years
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility, or difficulty walking for 2 hours in low-light conditions
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 53 Waiapu Road 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand The ZEALANDIA Visitors Centre is located at the end of Waiapu Road. See address & details
• 1 ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary Stop: 3 hours - Admission included The tour begins with a short film and introduction inside the Visitor Centre's interactive exhibition. Afterwards, the guide leads the group on an exciting walk through the sanctuary in search of wildlife. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Journey31183358395 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Do Not Miss! Our guide, Amanda, and volunteer scout Anthony made sure we had the most amazing visit. Amanda was very knowledgeable and Anthony scouted ahead so that we were able to have encounters with the wonderful wildlife. We were fortunate to see three Kiwi - sigh! Zealandia is a fabulous place and we were glad to be able to visit and support the protection of the various species that reside there. Going at twilight was extra special - I'm so glad we chose this tour. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• Snarth 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour, the only way to understand what you see in Zealandia The Zealandia tour was excellent. Without the information provided by our guide, we would have had no idea what we were looking at or where to find it. The walk went at an agreeably snappy pace and there were interesting things to see and hear at every turn. Zealandia is beautiful and impressive in every way. Highly recommended. Read more Written April 10, 2024
• Bryan A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great 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. Read more Written March 23, 2024
• Sherpa57094362488 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent visit to Zealandia Excellent guided tour by our guide Scott. He was a volunteer who had an extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of Zealandia. His information was well delivered, engaging and very interesting. We were lucky that Scott also had a geological background so was also able to provide a lot of information about the geology of New Zealand and the weather systems. He was able to find the hidden gems that made the visit so enjoyable - birds, reptiles and fish. Excellent and very enjoyable visit. Loads of photo opportunities and a nice cafe to boot! Well recommended. Read more Written March 22, 2024
• ScrumptiousSolent 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nocturnal tour was fun We did the nighttime tour with knowledgable guide (Alan) and scout volunteer (also called Alan) and very much enjoyed our trip. Walking round the sanctuary at night is a very different experience and although we didn’t get to see the elusive kiwi, we did get to see the tuatara (lizard type creatures), the takahe (bird), the kereru (bird) glowworms, weta, ducks, fish and a variety of other birds. You’re given red torches so you can try and spot wildlife and earphones so you can hear the guide easily. It was interesting to hear how New Zealand’s flora and fauna had evolved since the arrival of man, and their plans to return the area to indigenous flora and fauna. Your evening tour ticket also lets you return first free the following day during daylight so you can see the sanctuary from both perspectives. Read more Written March 21, 2024
• Bartonbears 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A 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. Read more Written March 20, 2024
• T1435OOfabioo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Fantastic Walk in The Forest with Kiwis, Kakas, Tuatara and more It was an amazing experience!!! We saw most endemic birds, including two Lesser Spotted Kiwis, very close plus Tuatara, Glow Worms, Weta..... Manoela and Glenda were extremely nice and helped us to fit a late arrical due toa delayed flight. It us a myst visit place for nature lovers and a great example of hands on conservation. Zillion Stars! Read more Written March 20, 2024
• Cucina58 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful Sanctuary A beautiful sanctuary to wander around, away from any traffic, with the air filled with the sounds of the birds. Definitely worth visiting. Read more Written March 18, 2024
• bradziker1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles great guided tour I really did not know what to expect as I booked this as a tour cruise excursion, and it was great. It took about 1/2 hour from the cruise port to drive. There are a lot of paved paths (and some dirt ones), and raised walkways over wet areas. We saw lots of different birds. The best part was learning so much from the guide. It was a great lesson on how they trap mammals and have the area surrounded by special fencing to allow the birds to thrive. There is a small gift shop. The only thing that might be a bit better was that we had a group of 11, and it was difficult to hear everything the guide was saying, so maybe speak louder. An enjoyable walk, yu definitely need a guided tour to understand. Read more Written March 15, 2024
• Sandy R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Zealandia visit birds and more Our guide Jennifer was very knowledgeable. We saw so much more than we would have on our own and learned a lot as well. Thanks Read more Written March 11, 2024
• Irene F 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles US traveler who respects nature. Beautiful, carefully planned bird sanctuary dedicated to helping native bird species recover and thrive. The facility is beautiful, the museum is comprehensive and the educational video is thought provoking. Jill led our group on an immersive tour, teaching every step of the way. Read more Written February 25, 2024
• Vacation41506538789 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Zealandia Ecotour - a Great Adventure Zealandia is an amazing place to see. A lot of birds and geckos. Although, you need a guide to help you spot them all. Paul was a very good guide. He could spot birds and geckos in the trees and on the ground. And he was very knowledgeable and shared very good information. I would recommend Zealandia and going on a guided tour. Paul would be good but you probably can’t book a specific guide. Read more Written February 19, 2024
• G6906GXaj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Vibrant Bird Life in a Beautiful Setting Zealandia 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. Read more Written February 19, 2024
• Reija P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth visiting The tour was very interesting and we saw many different animals (mostly birds). After the tour, we did a walk on our own, it was easy to navigate in the park with the help of a map. Also the small exhibition in the building at the entrance was worth seeing. The day in Zealandia surpassed our expectations. Read more Written February 9, 2024
• 789DavidW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time on twilight tour We took the twilight tour (the night tour was booked) and were glad we did. We saw lots of birds before dark and particularly enjoyed hearing their songs. Then after dark we were lucky enough to spot a kiwi. Guide (Alan) was terrific as was his sidekick (Ava). Gift shop is unusually interesting. Remarkable that the city and citizenry created this oasis. Read more Written February 8, 2024

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Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour provided by ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary

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See the kākā take flight at ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary. This forest-dwelling parrot is a cousin of the mischievous alpine parrot, the kea, and is one of the most visible and engaging birds at the sanctuary.

Visit ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary and discover the takahē, once thought extinct these magnificent birds were rediscovered in the 1940s.

See the tīeke/saddleback at ZEALANDIA, one of New Zealand’s greatest conservation success stories.

Explore Zealandia's award winning interactive exhibition before you head out into the sanctuary.

Zealandia is not just a destination, it's the heart of a movement. Come and be part of it.

ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary

Waiapu Road , Wellington Central , New Zealand .

ZEALANDIA is an immersive venture into New Zealand’s wildlife. Located in central Wellington, the ecosanctuary is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary animals.

Pricing and Conditions

FREE shuttle from City & Cable Car. Family & other discounts available.

Entry is free for under 5s. Entry is free if you have purchased a guided tour ticket.

Imagine a lush forest full of rare native animals. Discover ZEALANDIA – an ecosanctuary home to over 40 rare native species. Explore the outdoors on your own or with an expert guide who will show you the best places to spot wildlife like kākāriki, tuatara and takahē. Relax at Rata café with delicious food made from sustainably sourced ingredients and admire the views over the lake. Visit the valley after dark on a ZEALANDIA By Night tour and search for thousands of glow worms and over 150 kiwi by night. 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.

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This website helps visitors connect with providers of great New Zealand tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations. Please contact this business for more information. See also: newzealand.com terms of use (opens in new window) .

Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour

• Torches/flashlights supplied
• Guided walking tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition and Sanctuary Valley
• Entry/Admission - ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand The ZEALANDIA Visitors Centre is located at the end of Waiapu Road.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Wear sturdy footwear, bring extra layers of clothing and a waterproof jacket. Torches (flashlights) are supplied
• Minimum age is 12 years
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility, or difficulty walking for 2 hours in low-light conditions
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 53 Waiapu Road 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand The ZEALANDIA Visitors Centre is located at the end of Waiapu Road. See address & details
• 1 ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary Stop: 3 hours - Admission included The tour begins with a short film and introduction inside the Visitor Centre's interactive exhibition. Afterwards, the guide leads the group on an exciting walk through the sanctuary in search of wildlife. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Journey31183358395 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Do Not Miss! Our guide, Amanda, and volunteer scout Anthony made sure we had the most amazing visit. Amanda was very knowledgeable and Anthony scouted ahead so that we were able to have encounters with the wonderful wildlife. We were fortunate to see three Kiwi - sigh! Zealandia is a fabulous place and we were glad to be able to visit and support the protection of the various species that reside there. Going at twilight was extra special - I'm so glad we chose this tour. Read more Written 14 April 2024
• Snarth 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour, the only way to understand what you see in Zealandia The Zealandia tour was excellent. Without the information provided by our guide, we would have had no idea what we were looking at or where to find it. The walk went at an agreeably snappy pace and there were interesting things to see and hear at every turn. Zealandia is beautiful and impressive in every way. Highly recommended. Read more Written 10 April 2024
• Bryan A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great 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. Read more Written 23 March 2024
• Sherpa57094362488 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent visit to Zealandia Excellent guided tour by our guide Scott. He was a volunteer who had an extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of Zealandia. His information was well delivered, engaging and very interesting. We were lucky that Scott also had a geological background so was also able to provide a lot of information about the geology of New Zealand and the weather systems. He was able to find the hidden gems that made the visit so enjoyable - birds, reptiles and fish. Excellent and very enjoyable visit. Loads of photo opportunities and a nice cafe to boot! Well recommended. Read more Written 22 March 2024
• ScrumptiousSolent 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nocturnal tour was fun We did the nighttime tour with knowledgable guide (Alan) and scout volunteer (also called Alan) and very much enjoyed our trip. Walking round the sanctuary at night is a very different experience and although we didn’t get to see the elusive kiwi, we did get to see the tuatara (lizard type creatures), the takahe (bird), the kereru (bird) glowworms, weta, ducks, fish and a variety of other birds. You’re given red torches so you can try and spot wildlife and earphones so you can hear the guide easily. It was interesting to hear how New Zealand’s flora and fauna had evolved since the arrival of man, and their plans to return the area to indigenous flora and fauna. Your evening tour ticket also lets you return first free the following day during daylight so you can see the sanctuary from both perspectives. Read more Written 21 March 2024
• Bartonbears 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A 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. Read more Written 20 March 2024
• T1435OOfabioo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Fantastic Walk in The Forest with Kiwis, Kakas, Tuatara and more It was an amazing experience!!! We saw most endemic birds, including two Lesser Spotted Kiwis, very close plus Tuatara, Glow Worms, Weta..... Manoela and Glenda were extremely nice and helped us to fit a late arrical due toa delayed flight. It us a myst visit place for nature lovers and a great example of hands on conservation. Zillion Stars! Read more Written 20 March 2024
• Cucina58 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful Sanctuary A beautiful sanctuary to wander around, away from any traffic, with the air filled with the sounds of the birds. Definitely worth visiting. Read more Written 18 March 2024
• bradziker1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles great guided tour I really did not know what to expect as I booked this as a tour cruise excursion, and it was great. It took about 1/2 hour from the cruise port to drive. There are a lot of paved paths (and some dirt ones), and raised walkways over wet areas. We saw lots of different birds. The best part was learning so much from the guide. It was a great lesson on how they trap mammals and have the area surrounded by special fencing to allow the birds to thrive. There is a small gift shop. The only thing that might be a bit better was that we had a group of 11, and it was difficult to hear everything the guide was saying, so maybe speak louder. An enjoyable walk, yu definitely need a guided tour to understand. Read more Written 15 March 2024
• Sandy R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Zealandia visit birds and more Our guide Jennifer was very knowledgeable. We saw so much more than we would have on our own and learned a lot as well. Thanks Read more Written 11 March 2024
• Irene F 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles US traveler who respects nature. Beautiful, carefully planned bird sanctuary dedicated to helping native bird species recover and thrive. The facility is beautiful, the museum is comprehensive and the educational video is thought provoking. Jill led our group on an immersive tour, teaching every step of the way. Read more Written 25 February 2024
• Vacation41506538789 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Zealandia Ecotour - a Great Adventure Zealandia is an amazing place to see. A lot of birds and geckos. Although, you need a guide to help you spot them all. Paul was a very good guide. He could spot birds and geckos in the trees and on the ground. And he was very knowledgeable and shared very good information. I would recommend Zealandia and going on a guided tour. Paul would be good but you probably can’t book a specific guide. Read more Written 19 February 2024
• G6906GXaj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Vibrant Bird Life in a Beautiful Setting Zealandia 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. Read more Written 19 February 2024
• Reija P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth visiting The tour was very interesting and we saw many different animals (mostly birds). After the tour, we did a walk on our own, it was easy to navigate in the park with the help of a map. Also the small exhibition in the building at the entrance was worth seeing. The day in Zealandia surpassed our expectations. Read more Written 9 February 2024
• 789DavidW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time on twilight tour We took the twilight tour (the night tour was booked) and were glad we did. We saw lots of birds before dark and particularly enjoyed hearing their songs. Then after dark we were lucky enough to spot a kiwi. Guide (Alan) was terrific as was his sidekick (Ava). Gift shop is unusually interesting. Remarkable that the city and citizenry created this oasis. Read more Written 8 February 2024

More to explore in Wellington

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Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour provided by ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary

• Experiences
• Getting Here
• Accessibility
• Education Programmes
• Activities & Resources
• Young People
• Professional Development
• Become a Member
• Renew Membership
• The Sanctuary
• Sanctuary to Sea
• Help at Home
• School Holidays
• Know Your Wai
• Buy Membership
• Te Māra Toi Gallery

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore the valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to pre-human state.

Set around a picturesque reservoir, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife - all thriving wild in a world-first protected sanctuary.  

Opening Hours:

9.00am - 5.00pm (last entry at 4.00pm)

Open every day except Christmas Day

EXPLORE ZEALANDIA

Everything you need to know about your visit to the sanctuary

ABOUT ZEALANDIA

Learn more about our 500-year vision and our contribution to conservation in Aotearoa NZ

EDUCATION AND YOUTH

Find out what we offer for schools, ECE and young people

CAFE & FUNCTIONS

Offering delicious food + wedding and function packages

ONLINE SHOP

Shop for products with purpose – all sales contribute to our conservation work

MAKE A DONATION

Keep native wildlife flourishing and support us by donating towards our conservation work

Explore the outdoors at your own pace or be led by a guide! During the day, walk amongst rare birds like hihi, kākāriki and takahē. Spot prehistoric reptiles like the tuatara bathing in the sun. See how the sanctuary transforms after dark on a guided tour and search for thousands of glow worms and over 150 kiwi roaming free.

Experience the source of the increasing native bird biodiversity in Wellington, while supporting our ground-breaking conservation research.

Connect with nature. Visit Zealandia.

Zealandia Blog

To feed or not to feed: Bringing birds to your back yard

At Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, we recommend planting native trees and shrubs, rather than putting out sugar water feeders or fruit and nuts to attract birds to your gardens. Here are a few reasons why...

Actions for the awa

Here are some steps you can take to improve the mouri/lifeforce and biodiversity of your neighbourhood awa/waterways.

Action at home: Create a lizard garden

Read about how Zealandia member and wildlife photographer, Holly Neill, created her little lizard haven, Mokomoko Manor, and how you can start one at home too.

Find more articles  >>>

Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Enjoy a night discovering New Zealand’s evolution and natural history at Zealandia, located just minutes from central Wellington. The discovery begins with a guided tour through Zealandia: The Exhibition, a state-of-the-art indoor exhibition showcasing New Zealand’s natural history and world renowned conservation movement. As darkness falls, your guide will lead you into the Sanctuary Valley, the world’s first fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary in search for little spotted kiwi and the many other nocturnal animals that call the sanctuary home. Witness firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award. This is an unforgettable Wellington experience not to be missed!

Ticket Options

13 Options Available

Night Tour - 8:30pm: $50

2.5 hour guided tour

Night Tour - 7:30pm: $50

Night tour - 5:30pm: $50, night tour - 7:45pm: $50, night tour - 6:45pm: $50, night tour - 4:45pm: $47.5, night tour - 4:30pm: $47.5, night tour - 5:45pm: $47.5, night tour - 8:15pm: $50, night tour - 7:00pm: $47.5, night tour - 5:15pm: $50, night tour - 5:00pm: $47.5, night tour - 8:00pm: $50, ticket information.

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Torches/flashlights supplied
• Guided walking tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition and Sanctuary Valley

What's not Included

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Wear sturdy footwear, bring extra layers of clothing and a waterproof jacket. Torches (flashlights) are supplied
• Minimum age is 12 years
• Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility, or difficulty walking for 2 hours in low-light conditions

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