Kiwi Park
Kiwi Park
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the magnificent Kiwi Park, a 5-acre oasis in the bustling heart of Queenstown. A family-owned and operated wildlife centre in the heart of Queenstown, dedicated to saving our endangered wildlife species. We have over 20 species of native wildlife, including New Zealand’s national icon, the Kiwi and our living fossil, the Tuatara. Kiwi Park is set in beautifully landscaped native bush and is the perfect place for a relaxed break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Queenstown. Kiwi Encounters: 10am, 11am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 2:15pm, 3pm, 4:15pm & 5pm (Oct-April) 10am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3:45pm & 4:30pm (May-Sep) Important: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before Kiwi Encounter, subject to availability. Maximum occupancy for Kiwi Encounter 50 people. Kiwi House open at all times outside Kiwi Encounters for viewing. Conservation Show: 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm (Oct-April ) 11.30am & 3pm (May-Sep)
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
2,978 reviews
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timjstark
Shorewood, WI691 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I am not that into birds...however, I had a really good time here. We arrived just in time for the 10 AM Kiwi "Viewing". I would recommend going in a few minutes prior as it takes quite a while for one's eyes to adjust to the total darkness. We stumbled around attempting to see one of the four resident Kiwis while our eyes gradually adjusted.
Soon, a naturalist gave an informal presentation of the four...and they were all just delightful in their own ways. After that presentation, we wandered through the various and lovely pathways, seeing tons of birds with excellent signage describing what we were seeing. Eventually we attended the Conservation Show (both the Kiwi and Conservation Show are included in the price of admission.). The Conservation Show was excellent as well; both informative and humorous. The little cafe and honey shop as well as the compact gift show all are very new and zen adding up to a better than expected visit to the Kiwi Park.
Soon, a naturalist gave an informal presentation of the four...and they were all just delightful in their own ways. After that presentation, we wandered through the various and lovely pathways, seeing tons of birds with excellent signage describing what we were seeing. Eventually we attended the Conservation Show (both the Kiwi and Conservation Show are included in the price of admission.). The Conservation Show was excellent as well; both informative and humorous. The little cafe and honey shop as well as the compact gift show all are very new and zen adding up to a better than expected visit to the Kiwi Park.
Written 29 November 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.
Your support and the time you took to share your thoughts through a review are immensely appreciated. Your contribution is invaluable to us at Kiwi Park.
Best regards,
The Kiwi Park Team
Written 16 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travbud1
Toronto, Canada701 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Ok, so this requires a little explanation. The price of this experience is $50 and so a little high. The money does go to support the preservation of the park and the animals. My original expectation was that this was going to be an average animal park with little or nothing to do and so I was hesitant to do it.
They do some shows where they introduce you to different animals, mostly birds which is fun and relatively short. It is a short walk around with a variety of different bird habitats and enclosures. However, there is really only one reason to visit and that is to see the Kiwi birds. Please read the below because it should help you in determining whether this experience is right for you.
The Kiwis are nocturnal birds and as such, they have designed an enclosure for them that is pitch black. When we visited they had 5 birds in total and each in their own enclosure within the main visiting area. They do an almost hourly talk on the birds, what they eat, etc. which is helpful. You must commit some time to visiting them because you need a while for your eyes to adjust to the very low light environment. You cannot hold them, touch them or even take pictures of them. At first you will not be able to see them at all as they are both fast and your eye sight will be poor. After about 10 minutes, your eyes will adjust to the light. Each bird is kept separate and you can see each of them individually. They are quite active and running around with their long beaks. They are quite cute and have a funny walk. We spent nearly 45 minutes with them and seeing each of them. Once your eyes have adjusted you will be able to seem them from across the room easily and you can watch them wander around, eating and jumping (they don’t fly), which is most enjoyable.
Again, if this experience or the price does not sound good to you, I would frankly skip it entirely as this is the real highlight. If you are interested in seeing a Kiwi, which is nearly impossible otherwise, and would enjoy spending time watching them after allowing your eyes to adjust to the light, then this is a wonderful experience. Just providing this detail to help you make an informed decision.
They do some shows where they introduce you to different animals, mostly birds which is fun and relatively short. It is a short walk around with a variety of different bird habitats and enclosures. However, there is really only one reason to visit and that is to see the Kiwi birds. Please read the below because it should help you in determining whether this experience is right for you.
The Kiwis are nocturnal birds and as such, they have designed an enclosure for them that is pitch black. When we visited they had 5 birds in total and each in their own enclosure within the main visiting area. They do an almost hourly talk on the birds, what they eat, etc. which is helpful. You must commit some time to visiting them because you need a while for your eyes to adjust to the very low light environment. You cannot hold them, touch them or even take pictures of them. At first you will not be able to see them at all as they are both fast and your eye sight will be poor. After about 10 minutes, your eyes will adjust to the light. Each bird is kept separate and you can see each of them individually. They are quite active and running around with their long beaks. They are quite cute and have a funny walk. We spent nearly 45 minutes with them and seeing each of them. Once your eyes have adjusted you will be able to seem them from across the room easily and you can watch them wander around, eating and jumping (they don’t fly), which is most enjoyable.
Again, if this experience or the price does not sound good to you, I would frankly skip it entirely as this is the real highlight. If you are interested in seeing a Kiwi, which is nearly impossible otherwise, and would enjoy spending time watching them after allowing your eyes to adjust to the light, then this is a wonderful experience. Just providing this detail to help you make an informed decision.
Written 28 October 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.
Gratitude for your review and constructive feedback!
Sincerely,
The Kiwi Park Team
Written 16 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LC
23 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
My favorite bird sanctuary and the best place that I’ve seen kiwi so far in the South Island. There were 4 kiwi and the lighting was a lot better than in some other sanctuaries, so I was able to see the kiwi in a lot more detail. They got up so close to the glass windows too that it was like I was face to face with them!! The other birds in the park were also so fun and mesmerizing to watch, I easily spent 4 hours one day, then came back the next day and spent 4 more hours!! The shows were also super interesting and informative. I also really like how they have a self guided audio tour, so you can listen to so many interesting facts as you walk around. Highly recommend!!
Written 3 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.
Kia ora 9LC9
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We are so thrilled to hear that it was the best kiwi viewing you have seen in the South Island! We are super proud of our new Kiwi House. It is specifically designed to mimic the Kiwi natural environment so that they are comfortable and displaying natural behaviors. Great to hear you made the most of your 3 day pass !
Thanks again for your support!
The team at the Kiwi Park
Written 10 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michel10000
Driebergen, The Netherlands1,692 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The Kiwi encounter in particular is worth it. It is located near the start of the cable car. And actually a small zoo with different birds. If you're in NZ, you'll want to check out a kiwi. You can walk at the end 5 times a day (about 10 minutes) and then you can spot them. I never knew that they are about 40 cm high and very active in the dark. With a very expensive ticket of €30 per person you can also use the park for 2 other days. Since it's so small, I don't think many people will do this.
Written 9 November 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.
We appreciate your thoughtful review and feedback!
Warm regards,
The Kiwi Park Team
Written 16 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TR82
Brisbane231 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We went here today as our eldest daughter loves birds, the park itself is surprisingly large with a fair bit of walking between enclosures and some hills which may be problematic for young kids or elderly.
We went to the show and saw only one bird fly from one perch to another and a possum for about 2mins - it was pretty poor particularly compared to shows we have seen in Australia such as Currumbin Sanctuary and Australia Zoo- the kiwi enclosures are good and worth a look to see a rare bird.
All in all it was very disappointing compared to other bird experiences we have seen and at almost $120 per family probably double what I would think it is worth, I know it goes to conservation, but felt a bit like a tourist trap.
We went to the show and saw only one bird fly from one perch to another and a possum for about 2mins - it was pretty poor particularly compared to shows we have seen in Australia such as Currumbin Sanctuary and Australia Zoo- the kiwi enclosures are good and worth a look to see a rare bird.
All in all it was very disappointing compared to other bird experiences we have seen and at almost $120 per family probably double what I would think it is worth, I know it goes to conservation, but felt a bit like a tourist trap.
Written 4 October 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.
Thank you for your review.
We constantly strive to improve our offerings and provide an enjoyable experience for all visitors. Your insights are valuable to us, and we will use them to review and enhance our bird shows to ensure a more engaging and entertaining experience in the future.
We are pleased to hear that you found the kiwi enclosures interesting and worth exploring. We take pride in showcasing rare and unique bird species, and we appreciate your recognition of these efforts.
We are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that our visitors have a positive and memorable time at our park.
Thank you once again for your feedback, and we appreciate your understanding.
Written 16 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheGoodPlace19
Camberwell, Australia72 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
I had a great time at the Kiwi Park! I spent three hours there and attended the Kiwi encounter and conservation show, which were both very engaging and educational. The staff were so kind and welcoming, they were all willing to chat and offer more information. I also learned a lot that I didn’t already know about bees and New Zealand honey which was an added positive. The only downside (which isn’t the fault of the staff or park) is that several other visitors ignored the rules and took flash photography of the Kiwis which was really disappointing - please don’t do that if you visit! I’d gladly come back and bring more people with me, a highlight of my trip to Queenstown for sure.
Written 24 January 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.
Kia ora! Thanks heaps for your visit and awesome review. We're glad you got to enjoy our little slice of New Zealand wildlife. Come back anytime!
Written 14 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suznoni
West Sussex, UK113 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We spent 2 hours at the Kiwi Park this morning and loved it. The young lady who did the conservation show at 1100 was brilliant, so knowledgeable and a credit to the park. We loved seeing all the birds up close but the Kiwi encounter is very special. You need to take time for your eyes to adjust but we managed to see all 4 Kiwis! It was just amazing, they move quickly and sometimes they come right up close to the glass.
Written 14 January 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.
We're overjoyed to receive such a positive review from you! It means a lot that you had a great time at Kiwi Park.
best regards
The Kiwi Park Team
Written 16 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosie
Exeter, UK203 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Visited this morning, having purchased tickets online on a discount site (not much cheaper than if you buy at the centre, just every little helps when you're on a travellers budget!)
Staff were friendly on our arrival, quickly showing us how to use the audio guide and pointing us on our way, armed with a easy-to-read park map!
The audio guide is pretty informative. You can skip parts you aren't too interested in if you want.
The bird enclosures seem clean and tidy, and all the animals we saw seemed happy and healthy.
The kiwi talk at 10am (they have a few throughout the day) was good. It was amazing to see kiwi birds! Honestly, such an amazing animal. Much bigger than I was expecting. The information given to us by the person doing the talk was more or less what I had already heard on the audio guide.. also, sometimes hard to understand due to her heavy accent. We got most of the talk though and she answered all audience questions pretty well.
We must have spent 2.5hrs in the park, enjoying the walk around the pretty gardens, seeing the birds up close. We loved the Keas! And the huge pidgeons, haha!
The bee keeper area was also great. The staff member there (a guy with a beard, I think!) was very funny and informative, telling us all about the life of the bees, whilst pointing things out on the transparent bee hive. It was fascinating!
The 11am conservation show was also very, very good. We saw a variety of animals and learnt about their life in NZ. The staff were amazing, especially the lady doing the chatting. She was very engaging.
Yes, it is a little pricey, but the park uses the money to survive. They do not have any outside funding.
A worth-while cause. I think children would also have a lovely time here. Cafe and shop too, if you're interested in buying local honey, toys, books, souveneirs or clothing.
Staff were friendly on our arrival, quickly showing us how to use the audio guide and pointing us on our way, armed with a easy-to-read park map!
The audio guide is pretty informative. You can skip parts you aren't too interested in if you want.
The bird enclosures seem clean and tidy, and all the animals we saw seemed happy and healthy.
The kiwi talk at 10am (they have a few throughout the day) was good. It was amazing to see kiwi birds! Honestly, such an amazing animal. Much bigger than I was expecting. The information given to us by the person doing the talk was more or less what I had already heard on the audio guide.. also, sometimes hard to understand due to her heavy accent. We got most of the talk though and she answered all audience questions pretty well.
We must have spent 2.5hrs in the park, enjoying the walk around the pretty gardens, seeing the birds up close. We loved the Keas! And the huge pidgeons, haha!
The bee keeper area was also great. The staff member there (a guy with a beard, I think!) was very funny and informative, telling us all about the life of the bees, whilst pointing things out on the transparent bee hive. It was fascinating!
The 11am conservation show was also very, very good. We saw a variety of animals and learnt about their life in NZ. The staff were amazing, especially the lady doing the chatting. She was very engaging.
Yes, it is a little pricey, but the park uses the money to survive. They do not have any outside funding.
A worth-while cause. I think children would also have a lovely time here. Cafe and shop too, if you're interested in buying local honey, toys, books, souveneirs or clothing.
Written 7 March 2020
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.
happykoabug
Honolulu, HI704 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I checked out the Kiwi Park near the base of the Skyline gondola. It was worth the admission. The tuataras weren’t in their reptile house but I got to see one during their conservation show. Pretty cool looking! The set up of the park was good as you walked along several pathways. I loved the Kiwi house and enjoyed the guide talk. I saw 3 out of the 4 kiwis there. The various native birds looked healthy and had places to hide if they didn’t want to be seen. I love that the buff weka walked past you to get to the other side of the enclosure.
Written 3 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.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for visiting us and leaving a review! Tuatara have adapted to blend in with their surroundings so they can be a little tricky to spot unfortunatley.. glad you got a close up look in the show though- hopefully learnt a few fun facts too!
The Kiwi Park Team
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
horseymum_11
Cirencester, UK892 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
We enjoyed our visit to the Kiwi Birdlife Park, arriving just in time for the Kiwi talk and feeding time. This was in Kiwi house 1 - I must say that we saw more of the kiwis before the talk began, and also in the second kiwi house than we did during the actual talk! Using our headsets we took a leisurely tour of the park, seeing most of the birdlife, although some were quite elusive. We enjoyed watching the clever Kea keeping himself amused. The only bird who seemed unhappy was the flightless duck who seemed desperate to get out of his enclosure. We rounded up our tour of the park by watching a most informative and entertaining demonstration involving various birds, the ‘ratdashians’, a possum and a kiwi egg. It was particularly interesting to hear about the reason for needing to control pest numbers. The entry fee might be a bit on the expensive side but it’s good to know that it is going towards a good cause.
Written 10 March 2020
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.
hi, How much time will it take to visit whole park?
Written 22 December 2017
Hello,
We would usually recommend between 1.5 to 2 hours to visit the whole park.
The audio tour takes 45- 60 minutes, the Conservation Show runs for 30 minutes and the Kiwi Feed takes 15-20 minutes.
Your ticket is a day pass so you can leave the park and return in the same day.
I hope that answers your question!
Written 24 December 2017
How do i get from Goldridge resort frankton rd to kiwi park please?
Written 4 April 2016
Follow Frankton road to Queenstown, Frankton road becomes Stanley street, at the end of Stanley street veer left into Memorial drive. Go along Memorial drive and take the second street on the right, which is Brecon street. The Kiwi Bird Park is at the top of the hill as well as the gondola.
Written 5 April 2016
Hi, thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately, you will need to purchase your gondola and Kiwi Birdlife Park tickets separately as we no longer offer the Kiwi Kombo. We hope that you are able to visit our Park :)
Written 22 May 2015
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