Visit this protected eco-park for a taste of pre-historic New Zealand before the arrival of humans.
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.
