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Zealandia Ecosanctuary
Ecosanctuary

Zealandia Ecosanctuary

New Zealand
4.7
(5,000 reviews)
6
Tours Available
$25
Adult Entry
4 hours
Recommended Duration
September-March
Best Time

Overview

Zealandia Ecosanctuary is a world-renowned conservation project in Wellington, New Zealand. It is home to a wide range of native wildlife, including several endangered species.

Zealandia is a pioneering project in conservation and wildlife protection, showcasing the unique biodiversity of New Zealand.

Nature reserve Wildlife sanctuary

Location

Address

53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington, Wellington

Neighborhood: Karori

Coordinates

-41.292400, 174.752000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
tuesday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
wednesday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
thursday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
friday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
saturday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
sunday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults
$25
Children
$10 (5-15 years)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

September-March

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Wildlife is more active and fewer visitors

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
2 hours
Recommended
4 hours
Full Experience
Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

  • • Native birds nesting
  • • Wildflowers in bloom

summer

Warm and sunny

  • • Extended daylight hours
  • • Summer programmes for kids

autumn

Cool and crisp

  • • Fall colors in the forest
  • • Migrating birds

winter

Cold and rainy

  • • Winter bird feeding programmes
  • • Cozy indoor exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book tickets online in advance
  • Bring ID for discounts
  • Check weather before visiting

What to Bring

essential

ID Water bottle Printed or digital tickets

recommended

Camera Binoculars Comfortable walking shoes

seasonal

Rain jacket Sunscreen Hat

not allowed

Drones Pets (except service animals) Smoking

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some hiking involved)

  • • Uneven trails and steep inclines

Medical facilities: First aid available at the visitor centre

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards, Mobile payment

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Typical Costs

entry $25
parking $5
food $15
souvenirs $20

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable, Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes, Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, High heels or open-toed shoes

Booking Tips

  • • At least 1 week in advance for peak season
  • • Official Zealandia website
  • • 24 hours notice for refund
  • • Available online

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Zealandia App

Size: 65 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guides, Ticket booking, Wildlife tracking

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor centre, Café

Charging Stations: Visitor centre, Café

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Wellington International Airport

Distance: 8 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

taxi
$35 20 min
public_transport
$3 40 min

From City Center

Distance: 3 km

bus
$2.80 15 min
taxi
$15 10 min
bicycle
15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Zealandia is a unique and important part of Wellington's identity, showcasing native wildlife and conservation efforts

Historical Significance: Zealandia was the first large-scale conservation project in New Zealand, setting a precedent for wildlife protection

Insider Tips

  • The best time to see the kākā (a native parrot) is at dawn or dusk
  • The visitor centre has a great café with local food options
  • Evening tours offer unique wildlife experiences

Local Recommendations

  • • Try the coffee at the Zealandia Café
  • • Ask the guides about their favourite spots
  • • Visit the Botanic Garden nearby

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Kia ora
thank_you Kia ora
where_is Kei whea...
how_much He aha te utu?
beautiful Māhorahora
ticket Tīkiti

Guide Languages: English, Māori, Other languages upon request

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Tui Garden

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Capture the birds in action

Result: Beautiful shots of native birds

#Zealandia #Wellington #Nature #Wildlife

Hutt Valley Lookout

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shots of the valley

Result: Stunning panoramic views

#ZealandiaViews #Sunset #WellingtonViews

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas, Designated viewpoints
prohibited areas Inside visitor centre without permission, Near sensitive wildlife areas
flash photography Allowed in designated areas only
commercial photography Permit required
drone policy Permit required
tripod policy Allowed in designated areas only
selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Wellington Botanic Garden

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Garden

Space Place at Carter Observatory

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Museum

Wellington Zoo

Distance: 3km

Walking: 40 min

Type: Zoo

Reviews

4.7

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book a guided tour for the best experience"
  • "Visit early in the morning for the most wildlife activity"
  • "Wear comfortable shoes for walking"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (1)

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Quick Info

Available Tours

6

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

5,000

Adult Entry

$25

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