Published on Mar, 2025

Be patient. Our guide was a wonderful, articulate, knowledgeable, passionate about the environment, and full of information.

Published on Mar, 2025

It's a nice easy walk. Guides are very knowledgeable and helpful. They are ready to answer your questions.

Published on Feb, 2025

Firstly, what an amazing setup and organisation. They really care about the environment and wildlife, and taught me so much in such a short space of time. I started this tour a little envious of the people going out on the night tour, as kiwi are more often seen later on, alas there were no spaces left. Firstly, our guide Oliver introduced himself and fellow guide Heather, who would trek out ahead of us and act as a wildlife spotter. Next we were treated to a film explaining the ethos of the Zealandia organisation and the ambitious 500 year plan upon which they have embarked. Then we ventured out into the forest - or “bush” - and instantly saw / heard various birds which were pointed out to us and their habits / conservation plans explained. This is where Oliver came alive: his passion for the flora and fauna was unparalleled and infectious. Both plants and wildlife were pointed out and enthused about so vividly that you couldn’t help feeling the same about them. Heather did an excellent job of spotting wildlife up ahead, including a rare frog which Oliver revealed was only his third sighting! As the sun set we were encouraged to turn on our red light torches to help us spot wildlife and stay safe on the path, which (for me at least) added a sort of intrepid aura to the experience. Suddenly Oliver bade us gather around and revealed in the undergrowth a kiwi foraging for food. This bird stayed around for over 5 minutes, apparently unperturbed by our presence, before we moved on so as not to disturb. Next we saw a giant Wētā, again a rare sighting, then, astonishingly Heather spotted a second kiwi! This one soon disappeared into the forest, but as a group we felt so lucky to have experienced two sightings that we all left on quite a high. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough.

Published on Feb, 2025

Such a cool experience! Matt and Rosemary were so knowledgeable about the ecosanctuary and all of the birds contained within. It didn't feel like we were anywhere near Wellington - it's so quiet and peaceful. We were so lucky to be able to see a kiwi off the trail with our red light torches at the very end of our tour. If you have mobility issues, be mindful because though there are clearly marked paths, there are also exposed roots and uneven terrain. Plus this was a tour at night and it was pitch black without the red light torches.

Published on Feb, 2025

Beautiful landscapes full of native birds and tuatara. During the twilight tour you get to see the day active birds as well as an opportunity to see kiwi. We had a very passionate and knowledgeable guide!