Explore Zealandia

New Zealand is known worldwide for its clean, green environment, lush landscapes, and native wildlife.

At Zealandia, the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary in Wellington with over 40 different types of native wildlife, you can immerse yourself in the unique biodiversity of New Zealand’s natural playground and marvel in Zealandia’s groundbreaking conservation research - all within a stone’s throw of Wellington City. 

General Information

Open every day from 9am-5pm except Christmas, Zealandia is an extraordinary place to visit for both tourists and locals alike.

With children under 5 years of age free, general admission tickets for adults $23, and children aged 5-17 years of age only $10, you can choose to spend one hour or the whole day exploring this beautiful ecosanctuary.

Bring a picnic or choose a bite to eat at Rātā café - a delicious eatery filled with modern cuisine with a conscience. With locally and sustainably sourced organic and free range products, this is one place that you’ll want to return to time and time again.

Tours

Zealandia offers a range of small group tours at all times of the day. With a choice of day tours, twilight tours, night tours, private tours, kids’ night walks, and dawn walks, you can experience Zealandia’s creatures and critters in their natural habitat against the magical backdrop of the dusk sky.

If you’re really lucky, you’ll even get to see and hear our native nocturnal birds such as kiwi and ruru (morepork /owl) as they wake.

Make sure you book in advance via their website to grab yourself a spot!

Wildlife

Zealandia is about the most biodiversity-rich square mile of mainland New Zealand in terms of the variety of species living in this ecosanctuary. With over 40 different species of native birds (including 24 of them endemic), there are also dozens of reptile species, hundreds of plant species, and thousands of invertebrates. 

Wherever you go in this ecosanctuary, the stunning native flora and fauna combined with musical birdsong will make you feel like you’ve reached heaven on earth.

Transport

Zealandia is located in Karori, roughly a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Wellington.

If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the Zealandia Visitor Centre. However, there is additional free parking available 500m away in the Birdwood Road Carpark.

If you’re catching public transport, the number 2 bus to Karori stops almost at the door. Hop off at the end of Waiapu Road (ask the driver if you’re not sure), and walk the rest of the way (roughly 2 minutes).

Alternatively, if you want to combine two popular tourist attractions in one, catch the cable car to the top of the Botanical Gardens, and catch a free electric shuttle at the top of the cable car.