ZEALANDIA Te Māra a Tāne is a fully fenced urban ecosanctuary in Karori, only a short trip from central Wellington. Its 225 hectares—just over 500 acres—protect regenerating forest, freshwater habitats and some of Aotearoa New Zealand's rarest native wildlife.
Why ZEALANDIA is special
ZEALANDIA describes itself as the world's first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary. Its mammalian predator-exclusion fence was completed in 1999, and the project has a 500-year vision for restoring the valley's native ecosystem. This is not a conventional zoo: animals live within a large sanctuary, so sightings vary with the weather, season, time of day and simple luck.
More than 40 native bird species have been recorded in the valley, including 24 endemic species found nowhere outside New Zealand. The sanctuary's conservation work has also contributed to the recovery of native birdlife across Wellington.
Wildlife you may encounter
- Kākā: a large native forest parrot often heard before it is seen
- Tīeke or saddleback: a rare black bird with a chestnut saddle and orange-red wattles
- Hihi or stitchbird: an endemic forest bird that can be difficult to spot without knowing where to look
- Takahē: a large, flightless and threatened bird with vivid blue and green plumage
- Tuatara: an endemic reptile sometimes seen basking near protected habitat areas
- Pāteke, kākāriki, korimako and toutouwai: some of the other species visitors may see or hear
Little spotted kiwi live in the sanctuary and are nocturnal. A night tour provides an opportunity to look and listen for them, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Self-guided visit or guided tour?
General admission
General admission lets you explore the open tracks at your own pace. Pick up or download the current map and check track notices before entering. Two to three hours is a useful starting point for the lower valley, visitor centre and wildlife stops, although walkers can spend longer exploring the wider track network.
ZEALANDIA by Day
The official guided day tour lasts about two hours and runs daily. Groups are limited to 12 people, and tours normally depart between 10:00am and 2:00pm, with additional departures possible in summer. A guide can help identify calls and well-camouflaged wildlife while explaining the fence, restoration work and the sanctuary's 500-year vision.
After-hours tours
Night and twilight experiences operate separately from daytime admission and must be booked in advance. After-hours tours have additional conditions, including a minimum age of five for entry into the valley. Contact ZEALANDIA before booking if anyone in your party has mobility, hearing or vision requirements, because some public after-hours routes are not suitable for all visitors.
Opening hours and tickets
ZEALANDIA is open every day except Christmas Day. The official homepage currently lists the sanctuary as open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, with last entry at 4:00pm. Winter closing can be earlier, and some official subpages may display seasonal hours, so confirm the time shown on the homepage on the day you visit.
General admission, day tours and after-hours tours have different prices. Rather than relying on an old quoted fare, check the live official tickets and tours page before purchasing.
Getting to ZEALANDIA
The visitor centre is at the end of Waiapu Road in Karori. ZEALANDIA provides free parking and operates a free daytime shuttle with central Wellington pickup and drop-off points. Shuttle stops and times can change, so reserve or confirm the current timetable rather than relying on an old hotel list.
Public buses also serve the surrounding Karori area. Use the current Metlink journey planner for the best route from your accommodation and allow time for the walk from the bus stop.
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes for gravel, slopes and uneven tracks
- A waterproof layer and warm clothing for Wellington's changeable weather
- Water, sun protection and insect repellent when conditions require them
- Binoculars if birdwatching is a priority
Rātā Café is on the second floor of the visitor centre and can be visited without a sanctuary ticket. It is currently open 9:00am–4:00pm, except Christmas Day, with the kitchen closing at 2:00pm.
Accessibility and families
The visitor centre and parts of the sanctuary are accessible, but not every bush track or public tour suits wheelchairs, mobility scooters or walkers. Families should choose a route appropriate to the youngest walker, and anyone with specific access needs should contact ZEALANDIA before booking.
For current opening times, ticket prices, track closures, shuttle information and accessibility details, use the official ZEALANDIA website. Information in this guide was checked in October 2026.