Nga Manu Nature Reserve — Attraction in North Island

We booked a kiwi encounter in December. A volunteer talked us through some kiwi facts - the talk was a bit all over the place, for $60pp I was hoping for something a bit more coherent. The aspect I found disturbing was that the volunteer pulled a taxidermied kiwi out of her prop box and stroked it for a long time as she talked. She then proceeded to pass it around attendees, encouraging everyone to touch its feathers, wings, beak and feet. It made me feel uncomfortable and I doubt handling a taonga species like this would be consistent with tikanga? When I asked if the iwi was involved in the reproduction programme I felt like my question was not welcome.

After that we moved to the kiwi enclosure. Seeing the pair interacting from up close was incredible, but also awkward. It feels odd to see them in such a small space after being told they have large territories in the wild, or feeding out of dog bowls which didn't suit their long beaks. I assume it's all consistent with DOC requirements given how highly regulated kiwi breeding probably is, but it felt weird and a bit sad.

Overall it was an awkward experience that I would not recommend.

Note: this is a review for the evening kiwi close encounter, we did not visit the rest of...

What a gem! It's small and off the beaten track, so I'm so glad my accommodation had brochures. I reserved for the native bird close encounter online that night and was greeted by name when I arrived a bit after opening time the following day. It hadn't been clear what time the tour would start, but that worked out OK, as I had time to view the closer-in exhibits before it started at 11:00. Robyn took our small group (just six of us) through three aviaries and we got to see kākāriki, one kākā, blue ducks, and one kea up close and personal. As a parrot lover, I was in heaven and I felt it was well worth the extra price, especially as it goes to a good cause. Afterwards, I had a walk around the reserve, which took about half an hour. There are wide, well-maintained paths, with only the trail to the lookout handicapped-inaccessible. I saw heaps of birds: a silvereye, many tūī, kererū, and a fantail just as I was leaving. Just to add a comment to explain my wait to get in: a large family group was ahead of me and it sounded like they were attempting to redeem a credit. Anyway, that was what slowed my entry, but otherwise the place was uncrowded and my own entry (I had prepaid) was...

My partner and I stayed at Theo’s cottage for the weekend, did the Native Bird Close Encounter, and the Night Kiwi Bird Close Encounter. Wow - it was the best accommodation experiences we’ve ever had. After opening hours, we had the entire reserve to ourselves and were free to roam around. We walked around the bush admiring native flora and fauna, woke up early for the sunrise and dawn chorus, and enjoyed our proximity to the beach and river (great location!). It was such a privilege to admire the different personalities of the birds - we especially laughed so much with the Kea and the Kiwi. It was also such a pleasure to be shown around by people that clearly love what they do and are passionate about conservation in Aotearoa.

I would totally recommend this experience to anyone wanting to get away for a weekend, and immerse themselves in nature. It is affordable, nearby, stunning, and great for one’s mental health. It was also great to combine the overnight stay at the reserve and the Kiwi night encounter, as we didn’t have to drive anywhere after and could enjoy the...