Zealandia

Overview

Zealandia was the world's first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary, enclosing a former water-supply valley with a specially designed predator-proof fence to exclude introduced mammals like rats, stoats and possums. Since opening in 1999, it has become a stronghold for species that had vanished from mainland New Zealand entirely, including takahē (once thought extinct) and little spotted kiwi.

The sanctuary's success has had a visible effect well beyond its fence line — birds like kākā and tūī, once rare in Wellington, are now common across the city as the sanctuary's population has spread out into surrounding suburbs.

Things To Do

• Self-guided daytime walk — trails through the valley past two reservoir lakes and regenerating forest.
• Guided night tour — the best way to see wild kiwi and glowworms, led by a ranger after dark.
• Takahē viewing — one of the most reliable places in the country to see this rare, flightless bird.
• Tuatara enclosure — New Zealand's living dinosaur, largely unchanged for millions of years.
• Bird hides — several quiet viewing points along the tracks for kākā, saddleback and other native birds.

Getting There

Zealandia is about 10 minutes' drive from central Wellington, or reachable by local bus. There's parking at the visitor centre, and it's a short walk from the Karori suburb.

Gallery

Nearby Attractions

Mount Victoria Lookout

Wellington's best-known lookout, with 360° views over the city and harbour.

Wellington Cable Car

A short funicular ride connecting the city centre to the Botanic Garden.

Te Papa Museum

New Zealand's national museum, on the waterfront in central Wellington.

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