Zealandia Day Tours

Don't hide away inside during the long, cold days of Wellington's winter. Instead, rug up in your best puffers and get your much-needed dose of nature at Zealandia, the world's first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary. Just 10 minutes from the CBD, the sanctuary is well-known for recovering native wildlife populations and restoring their population, right in the midst of Pōneke. In turn, cheeky kākā parrots and drunken kererū now often frequent local backyards.

Even in winter the sanctuary runs its Zealandia by Day walks, where you'll be accompanied by an experienced guide on a two-hour tour.  Species you might see include the tuatara, takahē and kākā.

Three two-hour tours run daily, each departing at 10am, 11am and 1pm. Just make sure you dress to the conditions with comfortable walking shoes — there will be heaps of amazing photo opportunities, but it's not the time to dress in your Saturday night glam. Adult passes cost $55pp while children under 18 can head in for $27.50.

Take this opportunity to explore one of the country's most accessible wildlife sanctuaries and help native species flourish — your ticket cost goes directly back into the sanctuary.

📸:: Johnny Hendrikus