Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour
Recommended by 95% of travelers
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Wellington, New Zealand
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary and home to some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary wildlife. This 2-hour guided walking tour will introduce you to native birds such as kakariki, tui, and bellbirds; rare species like takahē; and unique reptiles including green gecko and tuatara. Entrance fees are included.
- Explore the Zealandia eco-sanctuary on a walking tour
- Spot rare and endangered New Zealand birds
- Learn more about New Zealand’s native wildlife from an expert guide
- Small-group tour ensures a personalized experience
What's Included
- Professional Tour Guide
- Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Turn left after the Karori Tunnel and travel along Waiapu Road. Zealandia is located at the end of Waiapu Road.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Make your own way to the Zealandia Visitor Centre, just outside of Wellington city center, in time for your morning or afternoon departure (depending on tour time selected). After meeting your guide and small group, set out on a 2-hour walking tour of the ecosanctuary
Learn more about Zealandia and its pioneering conservation efforts as you follow your guide around the park’s walkways, exploring the lush forests and wetlands. Along the way, stop at viewpoints and feeding stations, and look out for green gecko, tuatara, and native New Zealand birds. Kākā (bush parrot), kakariki, tūī, tīeke (saddleback), hihi, and bellbirds are all common sights, and you might even spot rare birds, including the flightless takahē.
After 2 hours exploring the vast parklands, your tour ends back at the Visitor Centre.
Learn more about Zealandia and its pioneering conservation efforts as you follow your guide around the park’s walkways, exploring the lush forests and wetlands. Along the way, stop at viewpoints and feeding stations, and look out for green gecko, tuatara, and native New Zealand birds. Kākā (bush parrot), kakariki, tūī, tīeke (saddleback), hihi, and bellbirds are all common sights, and you might even spot rare birds, including the flightless takahē.
After 2 hours exploring the vast parklands, your tour ends back at the Visitor Centre.
1
Zealandia Te Mara a Tane
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Stroller accessible
- A maximum of 12 people per booking
- Near public transportation
- Arrive at the Visitors Centre 15 minutes before your tour start time
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Infants must sit on laps
- Photography allowed on this tour
- Please enquire about service animal entry before booking.
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Some of the tracks are wheelchair accessible, private tours are available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Rebekah_C
Do not skip this place! It was full of so much beauty and wonder. I could spend all day there! Having a guide was the best part because Oliver was so knowledgeable about the native animals and plants. So many birds made appearances and other animals. The hiking trails are easy and covered by foliage.
At the end of the tour you can explore on your own until closing and you can even come the next day to walk around without a guide.
This definitely is a MUST see and Oliver our guide was the best…ask for him when you book!
Reviews
4.8
based on 240 reviews
Damon_S, Apr 2026
Amazing experience! Worth every cent! It's a great idea to do a guided tour to learn the lay of the land and then sign up for a membership and come back every day!
Michelle_M, Apr 2026
Lovely guided walk with very knowledgeable guide, taking in the history and background of the Zealandia mission.
Fiona_S, Mar 2026
This was absolutely fascinating and Andrew our guide was great - so informative about all the life in Zealandia - both past and present.
One tip I think would be to go early if possible as it got a lot busier as the morning went on.
Danica_G, Mar 2026
My friend and I had such an amazing time at Zealandia! Our guide, Ashley, was such a sweet and passionate woman and we absolutely loved her. It was so interesting to learn about how the wildlife of NZ evolved and was destroyed and how volunteers like those who run Zealandia are so dedicated to restoring it.
We also got to see some amazing birds! The kaka parrots were out in force and we saw loads, they're not shy of people! We also saw quail, tuis, a wood pigeon, a robin, a shag and my personal favourite, fantails! Also plenty of adorable tuatara lizards!
Definitely an experience I would recommend, especially as all your money goes directly to the important conservation work.
Nora_H, Mar 2026
This is an inspirational place and a wonderful introduction to both native New Zealand Flora and Fauna and the commitment of some New Zealanders to honor their natural history. Roy was a wonderful guide and we were able to see paradise shelducks, pied shags, native robins, parrots, fantails, tui and more.
Rebekah_C, Mar 2026
Do not skip this place! It was full of so much beauty and wonder. I could spend all day there! Having a guide was the best part because Oliver was so knowledgeable about the native animals and plants. So many birds made appearances and other animals. The hiking trails are easy and covered by foliage.
At the end of the tour you can explore on your own until closing and you can even come the next day to walk around without a guide.
This definitely is a MUST see and Oliver our guide was the best…ask for him when you book!
AILEEN_S, Mar 2026
Disappointed with the guide
But it did rain which we weren't expecting.
Might be worth paying on a nice day.
Todd_S, Mar 2026
Our guide was professional and passionate about the center. It made our tour enjoyable. While a bit of a walk, it was worth it to see the wildlife.
martindeggbtinternet, Mar 2026
2 hour tour through the sanctuary with a guide, the sanctuary is impressive, very lush and plentiful trees and plants. The guide was very knowledgeable about the plants, birds, animals and the history of the area and sanctuary. The tracks are easy to walk, we saw a good number of birds and a lizard.
Eugene_H, Feb 2026
Great to see what this group has done to save some threatened species. Also the walk through the area was very nice to see and hear the wildlife
Stephen_M, Dec 2025
The guide we had was very knowledgable, friendly and allowed us all the time needed for pictures and discussion.
Marianne_W, Dec 2025
Zealandia was a hidden gem. We learned so much about this incredible organization with their mission of saving the indigenous and endangered bird population of New Zealand through habitat restoration and community education. We went on a 2-hour guided walk through beautiful dense and verdant terrain while learning about and looking for the birds, plants & insects who call it home. We would highly recommend a visit to Zealandia. They also have a wonderful cafe and gift shop.
Anne_H, Dec 2025
See my Tripadvisor review! I am still on a high after seeing so many tuatara! And even if we were not graced with those I would still feel pleasantly surprised to garner such an appreciation for various birds; this brown parrot is a wonder of conservation restoration. The free shuttle from/to top of the cable car is super helpful. The chocolate in the shoppe is lovely (I bought two types and have tasted one thus far), and the cafe has a good beer selection. The two negatives include bad wifi for Zealandia guests (minor) and a massive devotion to evolutionary theory (major). It continues to astound me— an Ivy league graduate living in NYC and a born again Christian— as to why places of conservation and restoration cannot embrace the possibility that the Judeo Christian God of the Bible is real and created + so loved the world. I do not understand how a country can kow tow (now, finally) to Maori people who have a rich genealogy that is remarkably shorter than a couple thousand years and flat out deny that there could have been a global flood or that the earth could be less than 6000 to 8000 years old, that each of us come from Shem, Ham, or Japeth. A presentation of maybe evolution maybe creation would enhance the entire vibe of Zealandia.
Linda_F, Oct 2025
It was a drizzling, foggy, windy morning but our tour guide brought the Zealandia experience to light! As we hiked, she shared her passion for the land, plants and animals protected by this amazing park. She pointed out birds, iguanas, tea trees, and ficus plants. We had a lovely 2 hours - walking the well-trimmed paths - and ended with a real appreciation for the New Zealand flora, fauna, and indigenous animals! So different from our USA! Thank you for sharing with us!
(we were there Oct 11th - first tour- please tell the tour guide Thank you!) Linda and Clark
Lynette_G, May 2025
Our guide Manuela was fabulous and so knowledgeable about the plants, birds, and animals. The tracks are suitable for all ability levels.
Roger_B, Apr 2025
Great guide with lots of enthusiasm and knowledge. Beautiful scenery and important mission. I highly recommend this tour and nature walk.
Lucie_T, Mar 2025
What a wonderful place. I got to learn about New Zealand's unique ecosystems and discovered Zealandia's inspiring 500-year mission to restore the area to its initial state.
Mary_M, Mar 2025
Great guide with lots of knowledge. The refuge is amazing and gives you a chance to see what New Zealand once was like, as well as introduces you to native birds and reptiles.
Cris_H, Mar 2025
Our tour guide Ruth had an excellent knowledge on all subjects relating to the sanctuary and her passion for nature was very evident. We learnt so much in just a couple of hours and stayed on to further walk the park ourselves. What a great vision & we hope that it continues in the years ahead.
Thank you for allowing us this experience.
Amy_G, Feb 2025
The Zealandia Ecosanctuary is an impressive place … and it wouldn’t have been half as impressive if we had just wandered on our own. I highly recommend taking the small group tour. Our guide was knowledgeable, passionate, and full of anecdotal information about the species in the park. Would definitely visit again!
Claire_M, Jan 2025
Great for discovering the native birds of NZ . I would recommend taking the guided tour unless you are a twitcher as I wouldn’t have known what to listen to ! We saw and learnt a lot from our guide and you can go back the next day too on your ticket and visit by yourself without the guide . We went on the 10.00 tour going up the cable car wasn’t a problem but the free shuttle busses don’t start until 9.50 ( which is the meeting time for the tour ) but if you walk down the road, to the bus stop there were plenty of buses which is what we did .
Anne_B, Jan 2025
Zealandia is beautiful, peaceful, our guide was knowledgeable and so enthusiastic about the flora and fauna that it was contagious! We learned so much and saw so much!
Anne_S, Jan 2025
So worth it to enjoy a walk learning about the bush and ecosystem. Great to spend money on contributing to the 500 year vision of Zealandia. Oliver, our guide was sensitive to our groups needs and shared his passion for the valley.
Lynn_G, Dec 2024
Very informative. Easy hike with our guide, Matt, who was knowledgeable and well versed. I love the mission of Zealandia. And, I learned a lot about native animals, bird, and plants!
Fran_K, Dec 2024
We did a 2 hour tour of Zealandia with Don. He’s sooooo knowledgable and loves the native birds and wildlife. Lots of birds spotted. Great to hear the stories of the history of the fence and how nature is fighting back. Recommended!!
QIANHUI_S, Dec 2024
10 out of 10! Will definitely go again. The most amazing part for me was we all standing quiet and listened to birds chirping. Then our guide will tell us what kind of bird it is. Just so amazing! The view and walk are pleasant too.
VICTOR_J, Dec 2024
The guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable. We saw and heard so many birds. I really enjoyed the tour, because my ticket lasts for two days I'm going back tomorrow by myself to enjoy more
Thomas_P, Oct 2024
Fantastic place to visit. Recommend the guided walk very interesting. The food in the cafe is also excellent
George_A, Sep 2024
Seeing birds, walking in nature, learning about native trees, all in all an amazing experience. Roy, my guide, was fantastic!
Susan_M, Sep 2024
Our guide was very knowledgeable about the sanctuary and we saw some amazing birds. We learned about the history of the ecosystem in New Zealand.
From $42.15
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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