Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Discover "A Real KIWI Nature Experience" on the Kapiti Coast, within easy reach of Wellington. A diverse range of native animals & over 700 plant species. Nga Manu Nature Reserve offers you a unique opportunity to have a hands-on experience with nature. It is a 'must see' attraction for all local families and tourists visiting the Wellington region. There are 13 hectares for you to explore, including the largest remnant of original lowland coastal swamp forest on the stunning Kapiti Coast. The animal life at Nga Manu is a mix of both wild and enclosed species. Get up close to the iconic New Zealand Kiwi in the Nocturnal house and discover New Zealand's unique prehistoric reptile- the Tuatara. Meet the friendly Kea, Tui, Fantail, Kereru and Kaka. Over 56 different bird species come and go around the wetlands, bush and surroundings. All pathways are easily walked and are wheelchair and pushchair friendly (a wheelchair is available on site - we recommend that those in a wheelchair come with a friend who can assist with the aviary double doors). There are seating and picnic spots throughout the reserve including a BBQ facility and area. Follow the staff on our 'Bird Feeding Tour' at 11 am daily or take part in our Eel Feeding at 2 pm daily. We have a free guided bush walk and talk on weekends over the summer period and public holidays. We are flexible with your requirements, catering for individuals and groups, as well as hosting educational programs for visiting school groups in our Conservation Education Centre. If you have a special request please ask and we will work with you to create the best experience. We are able to provide personalised guided tours, catered lectures and a unique celebration or wedding venue.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
186 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
47
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Donovan
Marina Bay, Singapore35 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We visited during the day to see the birds and feed the eels which was such an awesome experience for the kids!
We went back at night for a kiwi encounter at dusk and this was a once in a life time experience to see kiwi up close in their habitat and to have the talk for Robyn & Brian. We are all still buzzing about this - it’s a must do!
The cost of the visit during the day is cheap - they could charge more but you pay more for the kiwi encounter but it was worth it - it really is an incredible experience
We went back at night for a kiwi encounter at dusk and this was a once in a life time experience to see kiwi up close in their habitat and to have the talk for Robyn & Brian. We are all still buzzing about this - it’s a must do!
The cost of the visit during the day is cheap - they could charge more but you pay more for the kiwi encounter but it was worth it - it really is an incredible experience
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Naija M
Algiers, Algeria646 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
This is a wonderful place to visit, a must for nature lovers. The reserve is teeming with wildlife; I lost count of how many different species of birds I saw. There are a number of different walks you can go on and some activities for younger children. When we arrived we were just in time to see the eels being fed, something I I’d never expected to see.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tasman Travels
56 contributions
Jul 2023
A great experience and stop off. We could spend hours here wondering around spotting birds, learning about the history and nature. Really beautiful. We highly recommend a visit. Thanks to Katherine and Jane for making our visit so easy.
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raewyn H
7 contributions
Apr 2023
Have just spent two nights staying at Theo's cottage in the ground of Nga Manu Reserve. Just fabulous - ideal to unwind and listen to the bird song and forest sounds.
Participated in the Kiwi Night Encounter which was breath taking. How fortunate we are to witness Kiwi doing what Kiwi do best without intruding on their privacy. The Ruru were very interested in our presence and made themselves known. A huge thank you to the two volunteers that shared their knowledge with us.
The ranger activity for 1 adult and an 11 year old was fabulous. Being part of the working part of the reserve was informative and interesting.
The bush walk was outstanding and walking in the early morning in such seclusion was fabulous.
Thank you to all the staff members that made our stay worth while.
The accommodation was fit for purpose and very comfortable. We had thought that we would visit other activities in Waikanae but used all our time at the reserve.
Well worth the stay.
Participated in the Kiwi Night Encounter which was breath taking. How fortunate we are to witness Kiwi doing what Kiwi do best without intruding on their privacy. The Ruru were very interested in our presence and made themselves known. A huge thank you to the two volunteers that shared their knowledge with us.
The ranger activity for 1 adult and an 11 year old was fabulous. Being part of the working part of the reserve was informative and interesting.
The bush walk was outstanding and walking in the early morning in such seclusion was fabulous.
Thank you to all the staff members that made our stay worth while.
The accommodation was fit for purpose and very comfortable. We had thought that we would visit other activities in Waikanae but used all our time at the reserve.
Well worth the stay.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue T
Nelson, New Zealand3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Great evening visiting the Kiwis. Great experience enjoyed by all. Very informative. Well done Nga Manu Reserve. If you are visiting Wellington this outing is a Must Do. Recommend to all young and old.
Written 6 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tallsheep
UK25 contributions
Mar 2023
Nice small reserve just North of Wellington where you can be introduced to Blue Duck, Kea, Weka and many other rarish New Zealand birds and animals. The Guide was knowledgeable and the animals well cared for. Lots of activities for children to get them engaged with nature. Worth a visit!
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet J
13 contributions
Mar 2023
Went there expecting maybe an hour or so of interest but ended up spending the whole afternoon there. Wonderful time from feeding the eels, walking the forest track, seeing NZ Pigeons, Pukekos, Faintails, Bell Birds, Keas and even a pair of Kiwis. Feeding the ducks was a hoot and it must be mentioned that the staff there are so so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly that it was a pleasure to visit and spend time there. Thank you all so much.
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie M
Wellington, New Zealand43 contributions
Jan 2023
We had a lovely day out at Nga Manu during the January school holidays. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful. They helped us decide where to go during our self-guided walk around the reserve and gave us information about the various native species that we would see. The amount of tuatara visible was great - we saw about 8 sunning themselves. They were really clear and easy to see. The eel talk was informative and enjoyable. We had a great time and enjoyed being up-close with so many native birds.
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
edtrost
Palm Springs, CA67 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Although it was raining, we had a wonderful time here. Aside from seeing the kiwis and other birds inside their enclosures, the bushwalk was excellent! Make sure you ask for the laminated guides for the walk!
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArielSh
Haifa, Israel30 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We took the feeding tour. The guide, Boyson, was super informative and interesting. The birds were friendly and the large parrot solved the food puzzles.
It was a blast.
Later we walk around the park and they have a cool trees map at the viewpoint tower.
It was a blast.
Later we walk around the park and they have a cool trees map at the viewpoint tower.
Written 24 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary A
1 contribution
does it cost
Nga Manu
Wellington, New Zealand11 contributions
Hi Mary. There is an entrance fee and this supports the Nga Manu Trust's ongoing viability, education, research, conservation and education. There are some discount tickets available and group discounts. Full pricing details are on the website under 'Hours and Pricing'.
You can follow Nga Manu Nature Reserve's Facebook page to keep up to date with events and upcoming discount days or special offers. The 'Wellington Entertainment book' has a half price entry voucher too.
I hope you enjoy your visit when you go :)
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Claim your listingNGĀ MANU NATURE RESERVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
- Hotels near Ngā Manu Nature Reserve:
- (0.44 km) Escape in Manu - Enjoy the best of the Kapiti Coast
- (1.55 km) Kapiti Gateway Motel
- (1.57 km) Ariki Lodge Motel
- (13.41 km) Littel Otaki
- (4.66 km) Greenmantle Estate Hotel
- Restaurants near Ngā Manu Nature Reserve:
- (1.64 km) Salt & Wood Collective
- (1.86 km) Prah Ta Pang Restaurant
- (7.65 km) 50-50
- (2.00 km) Relish Café
- (1.78 km) Joe & Joy Eatery