Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre: Conservation and history

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is an unfenced breeding sanctuary for native wildlife. Located on the border of the Tararua and Wairarapa regions, the 942-hectare site is home to a dense lowland podocarp forest. The forest is home to native wildlife including birds and reptiles. Pūkaha has contributed to the recovery of several endangered native species including kōkako, kākā, whio, pateke and shore plover. The aviaries on-site hatch kiwi, kākā and kākāriki for release back into the wild.

There are many ways to enjoy Pūkaha including guided and self-guided tours. On the Te Hīkoi o Pūkaha tour, you’ll spend two hours with a guide from local iwi Rangitāne . You’ll hear stories about the tangata whenua , information about native plants and local creatures, and get an insight into how people connect to the land.

People walking along the path at the Pūkaha Wildlife Centre, guided by a local iwi member on Te Hīkoi o Pūkaha.

For those who want to go it alone, there are easy paths to follow that cater to all ages and fitness capabilities. There are daily feeding sessions for birds (and eels, if you dare), and other attractions, including a visitor centre and carving studio. A free flight aviary allows you to experience native birds arcing and soaring around you. The onsite café is a great way to relax after the other activities tire you out.

Underpinning the Mount Bruce Reserve is its ongoing conservation work. Working alongside the local iwi and the Department of Conservation, Pūkaha is re-establishing bird populations throughout the country. As such, the team has a ‘keep only what’s necessary’ practice and breeds naturally resilient birds that can defend themselves from predators when they are released back into the wild. Those that remain at the centre become advocacy birds, speaking for their kind and helping to educate visitors.

A family with a young child play with piglets on the grass at Staglands.

Staglands Wildlife Reserve

A wildlife reserve where people can interact with rare native species.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

This pest-proof ‘urban island’ is the closest thing you’ll find to experiencing what New Zealand was like before humans.

Two smiling people sit on a wooden bench petting a lemur during a Close Encounter experience at Wellington Zoo.

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

The first carboNZero-certified zoo in the world, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo puts conservation at the centre of everything it does.

Kapiti Island

A dominant feature of the Kāpiti Coast, this nature reserve is home to many endangered species.

An adult and child walk alongside a fountain at the Wellington Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā. Pink and red roses surround them.

Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā

You’ll find manicured rose gardens, winding pathways and spectacular views over more than 25 hectares.

The teal-coloured Ika Rere electric ferry leaves its berth on the Wellington waterfront to head out into the harbour. The Wellington skyline is behind it.

East By West Ferries

Experience Wellington from the water, explore the eastern bays and an island nature reserve on the city’s only harbour ferries.

Two people sit in the grass with their bicycles lying nearby at Mount Victoria lookout in Wellington, New Zealand with a view of the city centre, the bay and rolling hills in the distance.

Trail and a treat: Outdoor combos in Wellington

The city’s hills, beaches, and trails offer much opportunity to experience nature. Fuel your adventure with a stop-off at one of the excellent eateries offers nearby.