Zealandia Night Tour, Small Group

Overview

This is a two hour and 30 minute guided night walk through Zealandia, the eco sanctuary in Karori, Wellington. You meet at the Zealandia Visitors Centre at the end of Waiapu Road, where the group gathers before setting off with a guide. Torches are supplied, and reviewers describe quietly moving through the bush at night looking for species that become active after dark.

What people actually see varies, because this is a reserve rather than a zoo. Still, many reviewers report kiwi sightings, though none is guaranteed, along with tuatara, glowworms, wetas, kaka, takahe, frogs and lizards. One reviewer noted the ticket also allows free access to the sanctuary the following day, worth building into an itinerary.

The group is capped at 12 travellers and the minimum age is 12 years, so it suits travellers who can walk for the full duration in low light and want a quiet, information rich night in the bush rather than a party atmosphere.

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Waiapu RoadMake your way to 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012. The Zealandia Visitors Centre is at the end of Waiapu Road, and the operator asks travellers to arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time.
2. Check in and kit upThe group gathers at the Visitors Centre. Torches and flashlights are supplied before the walk sets off.
3. Enter Zealandia Te Mara a TaneAdmission ticket included. The guided walk sets off from the Visitors Centre into the sanctuary.
4. Night walk through Sanctuary ValleyThe guided walking tour of the exhibition and Sanctuary Valley runs for 2.5 hours. The group moves through the bush after dark with the supplied torches, looking for kiwi, tuatara, glowworms, wetas and other nocturnal species.
5. Finish at the meeting pointThe walk ends back at 53 Waiapu Road, the same as the meeting point. Plan your return transport in advance, since hotel drop-off is not included.

Common Questions