ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
4.6
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Imagine a lush forest full of rare native wildlife. Discover Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, an ecosanctuary home to over 40 rare native species and 32km of walking tracks. Explore at your own pace or be led by a guide! Our nature experts will show you the best places to spot wildlife like kakariki, tuatara and takahe on a Zealandia by Day tour. Relax at Rātā cafe with delicious food that gives back to conservation, and admire the views over the lake. Browse locally designed art, jewellery, homewares, books, clothes and gifts at the store where the products you buy have purpose and help the sanctuary to operate. For something a little more adventurous, see how the sanctuary transforms after dark on a Zealandia by Night tour and search for thousands of glow worms and over 150 kiwi. 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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.6
2,960 reviews
Excellent
2,095
Very good
648
Average
147
Poor
46
Terrible
24
PazA
39 contributions
Mar 2025 • Family
We heard about Zealandia while we were in Wellington and decided to visit. In short, it is amazing!!
For those new to this, Zealandia is an eco sanctuary which is entirely enclosed and pest free. The sanctuary is designed to protect species that were at risk in Aotearoea including Tui, Takahe, Tuatara and Kiwi.
Zealandia runs 2 electric shuttles which are free but you can also donate to them using the box within the shuttles.
The shuttles pick up from opposite the Anora hotel near iSite (where Weta and other day trips also do pick ups and drop offs) and also from the top of the cable cars. Both gave their own timetables which I can pick up either from iSite, Zealandia or the cable cars.
Visitors have the option of entry alone or various different guided tours in the day, evening or night.
We opted for entry and were amazed at how beautiful and stunning the sanctuary is.
Visitors will have to conduct bio security checks on their clothing/bags prior to entry but once inside there are various different paths to view the sanctuary and wildlife.
Visitors can travel to a heritage area with viewing tower for some great views.
Along the way, there are feeding stations where you can see Kaka and another enclosure where tuatara lie waiting for sunlight.
At weekends there is a boat which runs and also relies on donations.
You are guaranteed to see and hear the vast array of wildlife at Zealandia and we would recommend visiting to learn more about why New Zealand’s wildlife needs protecting.
For those new to this, Zealandia is an eco sanctuary which is entirely enclosed and pest free. The sanctuary is designed to protect species that were at risk in Aotearoea including Tui, Takahe, Tuatara and Kiwi.
Zealandia runs 2 electric shuttles which are free but you can also donate to them using the box within the shuttles.
The shuttles pick up from opposite the Anora hotel near iSite (where Weta and other day trips also do pick ups and drop offs) and also from the top of the cable cars. Both gave their own timetables which I can pick up either from iSite, Zealandia or the cable cars.
Visitors have the option of entry alone or various different guided tours in the day, evening or night.
We opted for entry and were amazed at how beautiful and stunning the sanctuary is.
Visitors will have to conduct bio security checks on their clothing/bags prior to entry but once inside there are various different paths to view the sanctuary and wildlife.
Visitors can travel to a heritage area with viewing tower for some great views.
Along the way, there are feeding stations where you can see Kaka and another enclosure where tuatara lie waiting for sunlight.
At weekends there is a boat which runs and also relies on donations.
You are guaranteed to see and hear the vast array of wildlife at Zealandia and we would recommend visiting to learn more about why New Zealand’s wildlife needs protecting.
Written 14 March 2025
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.
MaBiobabe
ma230 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Wish we had more time to wander this sanctuary. We would have loved to take a tour but the timing didn't work. We very much enjoyed walking on the paths and finding the birds and lizards. We encountered staff who were most helpful pointing out the different species. You could tell the staff loved their jobs. One woman was super excited to show us an albino tui. We had a light lunch at the sanctuary which was good. We really appreciated the free shuttle which picked us up and dropped us off from the top of the cable car. It wasn't clear to me how often the shuttle ran. I was also concerned because it only seats nine. I had made a back up plan (the Number 4 bus) in case the shuttle did not work but the shuttle was great. The shuttle was waiting at the cable stop when we arrived and took us immediately to Zealandia. When I asked how often the shuttle ran, the driver said "Frequently." He clarified that to be about every 20 - 30 minutes or so. Would definitely recommend the sanctuary if you want a peaceful walk amongst trees and birds. My only critical remark is that I would have loved a laminated card which would have identified the bird species which we could return to the sanctuary after use. Maybe that exists and we just missed it.
Written 9 March 2025
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.
JonBrownNZ
Auckland Central, New Zealand68 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
What a great place, we saw a lot more wildlife than we expected to and the paths we in great condition. It was an easy walk for the whole family with lots of interesting things to keep the kids entertained. We saw giant Tuataras, Kaka, Tuis, and lots of other birds. It was really easy to get here as they had a free return shuttle running from the top of the cable car every hour.
Written 9 January 2025
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.
Ruben L
65 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
I went there early in the morning till the afternoon and it was awesome. I saw so many different birds and could hear even more of them. No matter where you walk/ hike, it‘s a sound experience in and of itself when you take into account all of the different bird sounds that you literally hear all the time. The tracks themselves are organized and it‘s hard to get lost if you take a good look at the map beforehand, but even if you don‘t, there are many maps with „you are here“ indicators along the way as well. The rainforest like forest that you walk through is also incredible, large ferns, palm trees and various other cool plants surround you at all times. If you are in Wellington, then you definitely have to check it out. I just bought the general admission ticket, which is valid for 48 hours, so I could hike where I wanted to but you can also book a tour. Overall, I definitely recommend visiting the ecosanctuary and just see it for yourself.
Written 5 September 2024
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.
Thanks for visiting! So happy you had a great time. All our tours also include General Admission the next day and we highly recommend joining a knowledgeable guide who can share lots of stories and point out wildlife to you 💚
Written 22 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather M
Hartlepool, UK121 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
This is the most magical place- a wonderful haven for plants and wildlife. I went to university in Wellington in the 1980s, now live in the UK and had come to rediscover the city. Several friends had recommended Zealandia as a place to visit and I was not disappointed. I spent three hours revelling in the sights along the tracks- all the fabulous flora and animals. The guides along the way were so helpful and really contributed to the experience. I finished the trip in the cafe with an excellent salad and coffee. Special shout outs to Elizabeth the guide and Paul the shuttle driver, who whetted our appetite for Zealandia on the journey there with fascinating facts. It was an unforgettable experience.
Written 7 February 2025
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.
ashleyinthesky
Los Angeles, CA111 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Spent a few hours here. It was a great way to see birds native to NZ, though we wished a bit that we had done a guided tour as the staff probably knew the best places to see the different birds. Even so, we were still able to find most of the birds printed on the back of the map (no kiwis though because we visited during the day). The little fantail was our favorite diurnal bird, very fun to watch fly.
Written 26 January 2025
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.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,810 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Thank you for the shuttle to enable visitors and locals to come up here. The habitat had walks for all types of fitness or families. Very busy cafe with nice, but disorganized young people trying to manage it the day we were there. We did the self guided daytime and saw several birds. The movie was started by a guide who was taking a walking tour through or we couldn't have seen it. The short films on exhibit were very helpful. Enjoy!
Written 27 April 2024
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.
Thanks for visiting! So happy you had a great time. Hope to see you again soon! Ngā mihi nui 💚
Written 22 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Will Kitchener
Wellington, New Zealand88 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
A superb experience giving an incredible insight into the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. The trees are filled with birds singing which made for fantastic photos and videos. Highly recommend travelling up towards and beyond the upper valley as the paths were so quiet.
Written 10 July 2024
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.
Thanks for visiting! So happy you had a great time. It's definitely a good idea to go a little further into the valley where there are fewer people and more wildlife, such as our resident takahē pair! 💚
Written 22 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bryan A
Denver, Colorado23 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
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.
Written 23 March 2024
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.
Grateful for your visit! Glad to hear you had an enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you again in the near future!
Written 24 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emily
5 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
The birds were literally by their signs! This was such a great way to experience nature in an urban setting. I loved it, and there is so much to learn. The free shuttle was very helpful (be careful to check the timetables because only one of the lines keeps going later in the afternoon).
If you're looking to see kiwis, I would recommend coming for a night tour. We missed it unfortunately, but it sounded like they have the gear and experience to be able to find them.
If you're looking to see kiwis, I would recommend coming for a night tour. We missed it unfortunately, but it sounded like they have the gear and experience to be able to find them.
Written 17 July 2024
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.
Thanks for visiting! So happy you had a great time. Maybe next time you could come for a night tour! Each visitor is given a red wildlife-friendly torch and a radio set to be able to hear the guide and stay quiet as a group. There are usually two guides with one of them scouting for wildlife ahead.
Written 22 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is there parking outside of the city where I can walk to Zealandia?
Written 25 February 2020
Yes, but it is extremely limited. Most people take the Wellington cable car and then the free shuttle bus. The car car is very safe and only travels a couple of metres above the ground.
Written 3 March 2020
Hello, is there foreign language guided tour? Or an interpretation machine to hire? Thanks
Written 8 January 2020
The guides are local volunteers. You should ask at the main office to see if there are any that speak other languages.
Written 9 January 2020
What’s it like on a wet day? Thinking of going today.. first time with 5 & 6 year olds on a wet day?
Written 21 April 2019
Hello, did you end up going? It would have been difficult in some places if the rain was heavy. There were light showers when we were there and the tree canopy totally protected the ground.
Regards,
Jackie
Written 16 May 2019
I read there is a free courtesy bus from the cable car out to Zealandia and if that is still the case how long does it take to get there and approx. how long should we allow to visit and get back if we are on a cruise ship. We wanted to go out in the afternoon after a morning tour of the city would we have enough time? Thank you so much for your time and info
Written 2 March 2019
THe free bus ride is short no more than 5 to 10 mins and regular to and from Zealandia to the cable car summit. Yes can be done in the afternoon no later than 2 pm bus leaving for Zealandia. If you want to do the full walk in the nature reserve it takes around 50 mins to one hour. If you want to just see the Zealandia museum exhibits 20-30 mins is more than enough.Doing the full walk and museum will around 80 to 90 mins.
Written 3 March 2019
What is the best tour to take to see the most birds - day, twilight, or night tour?
Written 2 November 2018
You definitely get to see a selection of birds during a day tour, make sure to keep a look out as birds are working away through the bark and what not :) As for seeing a kiwi, I haven't managed to see one there yet...next time. Zealandia is very tranquil too.
Written 13 November 2018
Hi, kiwis are frequently (about 80% of the time) spotted on our ZEALANDIA By Night tours. They are nocturnal, so cannot be seen during the day.
Thanks for your question.
Written 1 November 2018
Should I go there if it is raining?
Written 10 March 2017
Absolutely go there if raining. We are locals and we time our visits for rain - partly to avoid other people! Seriously, the birds are more likely to be out n about if less people. Just dress for the conditions. My other local tips are a) see the kaka feeding and b) go up deeper into the Sanctuary if time allows. The further you go in, the better it gets😁
Written 13 March 2017
I know kiwis are nocturnal, but is it possible to see them at all during the day? Or is it definitely better to go with the night tour to spot them?
If visiting during the day, is the guided tour worth it or would wandering in the park by ourselves give us access to the same areas?
Written 23 February 2017
Wandering by yourself in the park should give you access to all of the same places, I think.
About the kiwis: They are definitely only active at night, but if you don't want to go on an evening tour, you might want to try going to a kiwi house (environment darkened for kiwis during our day) instead. There are quite a few throughout NZ.
Written 23 February 2017
Isnight better than a day tour.
I am in Wilmington inlay for two days staying in and.what about transport?THANX and answer fast .
Written 25 November 2016
Cant saw only went during the day, although at night you can spot kiwi. There is a free shuttle, I took an uber.
Written 2 December 2016
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