Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is a fully-fenced wildlife sanctuary located just minutes from Wellington city centre. The sanctuary protects a regenerating forest and is home to many of Aotearoa New Zealand's rarest wildlife, including birds, reptiles, fish, insects, fungi and invertebrates. It operates daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm), except Christmas Day.

The sanctuary offers guided tours alongside general admission to explore forest trails at your own pace. A map is available to download before visiting, and track updates are provided to help plan your route. The fully-fenced reserve covers what the sanctuary describes as the most biodiversity-rich square mile of mainland New Zealand. More than 40 different species of native birds have been recorded here, including 24 endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Reptiles include the tuatara and Hamilton's Frog, while the forest contains around 80% of New Zealand's native plants and trees.

Access to the sanctuary is straightforward, with free shuttle and parking available. The site is accessible for visitors of all abilities. A café operates from 9:00am to 4:00pm (kitchen closes at 2:00pm) where visitors can eat and relax.

Zealandia suits walkers interested in native birdlife and forest ecosystems close to the city, including families and those wanting to experience New Zealand's rare wildlife in a regenerating forest setting. Private and large group tours can be booked.