Zealandia eco wildlife tour: Native birds and conservation
Kākā, takahē and tuatara on the forest tracks of a working sanctuary
Zealandia is a 2-hour guided eco wildlife tour through a mainland sanctuary where you walk forest tracks with an expert guide and spot native New Zealand birds and reptiles at feeding stations. The tour opens with an exhibition film explaining the sanctuary's conservation work, then moves into the forest to search for kākā (bush parrots), kakariki, tūī, bellbirds, the critically endangered takahē, tīeke (saddleback), hihi, tuatara and green gecko. Groups stay under 12 people, and the guide's knowledge shapes what you notice and how long you linger at each stop. Tours run in English or Mandarin (Mandarin requires a minimum of four participants).
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore Zealandia Eco Sanctuary
- Meet guide at Visitors Centre
- Watch introduction film
- Walk sanctuary trails
- See native birds at feeding stations
- Spot rare wildlife like takahē and tuatara
- Take photos of wildlife and landscapes
What’s included
- Professional expert guide leading the walk.
- exhibition film on the sanctuary's conservation work.
- access to forest tracks and trails throughout the sanctuary.
- stops at bird feeding stations positioned along the walkways.
- photography allowed throughout the tour.
Times
- Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 11:00 13:00 14:00
- Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 11:00 13:00
Before you book
Operated by Zealandia
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
You meet your guide at the Visitors Centre ticket desk, where the tour begins inside the exhibition with a short film on the big screen. The film explains why Zealandia's conservation work matters (how the sanctuary protects species found nowhere else on the mainland) before you step outside. From there, the guide leads you along a variety of tracks and trails through the forest, stopping at feeding stations positioned along the walkways where native birds gather. The guide's expert knowledge of the sanctuary shapes the pace and what you notice: stories about the birds, the forest and the ground-breaking work happening here frame what you are standing in front of.
The birds you may see include the highly intelligent kākā (bush parrot), kakariki, tūī and bellbirds at the feeding stations; the critically endangered takahē; the busy tīeke (saddleback); the bright hihi; tuatara; and green gecko. The guide will point out where to look and what behaviour to watch for. Photography is allowed throughout, so you can capture the avians and the picturesque landscapes around you. The walk covers a moderate distance on forest tracks, some of which are wheelchair accessible, though the tour itself requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Arrive at the Visitors Centre 15 minutes before your start time. The tour runs in all weather, so dress for the conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap. Public transportation options are available nearby if you are not driving. Service animals require advance enquiry before booking.
Is this one for you?Book English if you want to start whenever you're ready. Book Mandarin if you speak that language and can confirm at least three other participants beforehand.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
In English, at 10:00, 11:00 and 13:00. In Chinese, at 14:00.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years); Infant (under 5): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What native birds will I see on the Zealandia tour?
The tour visits feeding stations where you may see kākā (bush parrots), kakariki, tūī and bellbirds. You may also encounter the critically endangered takahē, the tīeke (saddleback), the bright hihi, tuatara and green gecko. Your guide will help you spot them and explain their behaviour and significance to New Zealand's ecosystem.
How long is the Zealandia eco wildlife tour?
The tour is 2 hours long, starting at the Visitors Centre with an exhibition film, then moving into the forest to walk the sanctuary's tracks and trails with your guide.
What should I wear and bring for the Zealandia tour?
The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for the conditions. Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for forest tracks. Bring a camera if you want to photograph the birds and landscapes. The tour is 2 hours of walking at a moderate pace, so wear layers you can adjust as you move.
Are there accessibility options at Zealandia?
Some of the sanctuary's tracks are wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If you have specific accessibility needs, private tours are available. Contact the operator to arrange one that suits your requirements.
Zealandia eco wildlife tour: Native birds and conservation
2h · EN +1
from NZ$ 70 per person
≈ US$ 40 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.