The overarching goal of Wellington eco-park Zealandia is to return the 225 hectares on which it sits to its natural state prior to the arrival of human settlers. The enclosed park was formerly known as Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, and is now home to some of the country's rarest and most elusive creatures, such as the flightless kiwi, the prehistoric-looking tuatara and the saddleback bird. Located within Wellington's city limits, the sanctuary perimeter is ringed by protective fencing, which is designed to keep out predators.Before you launch into your exploration of the park itself, take the time to walk around the visitor centre. With two floors of multimedia exhibits on New Zealand's natural heritage, you'll get a great introduction to what you are about to see.Now for a tour of the park you can either take off on a self-guided tour or join one of the guided tours on offer. With over 32 kilometres of trails varying in difficulty, you can spend hours simply wandering amidst the local wildlife. The majority of the park's creatures live in the wild, though some are housed in protective enclosures of their own.If you fancy something a little more adventurous, you could try one of Zealandia's nocturnal tours. These tours are conducted by torchlight and allow you to observe park inhabitants that are more active at night time. Take in the sights and distinctive sounds of animals foraging for food and calling out across the night during your journey back to nocturnal nature. These tours must be booked in advance and involve an additional fee. More information on walking tours, trails and guided tours can be found on Zealandia's official website, so check here before your visit.Zealandia eco-park is located just 2 kilometres from Wellington city centre. It is situated along a number of bus routes, and there is also a free shuttle bus. Again, check the website for details of pick-up points and the shuttle schedule. If you decide to drive, there is free parking on site, and the park is open every day except for Christmas Day.
Zealandia Tours and Activities
Visit Zealandia
Plan a trip to see Zealandia
Tours & day trips
See all 66 activitiesOpens in new tabHalf Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 22 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Wellington Full Day Sightseeing Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Wellington Full Day Sightseeing Tour
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabWellington South Coast Discovery Helicopter Flight
Reviews of Zealandia
5/5 - Excellent
Spend the money & time for a tour. Your experience will be so much more enhanced.
5/5 - Excellent
Allow at least 2 hours. Wonderful to see all the birds, even Takahe
Popular places to visit
Cable Car Museum
Visit this free museum to journey back to the start of the 20th century when the story of Wellington's cable car began.
Botanic Gardens
The combination of sweet scents, vibrant colour and sparkling water features make this beautiful garden a popular visit for tourists.
Carter Observatory
Learn about the origins of the universe, get your hands on rocks that have fallen directly from space, and take a journey to the outer reaches of the solar system.
Antrim House
You can find out about the history of Wellington with a visit to Antrim House. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene in this walkable area.
Wellington Central Business District
Wellington Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Wellington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
Wellington Cable Car
Rise above it all in one of Wellington's iconic red cable cars for stunning views and easy access to some of the city's best attractions.
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