Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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My second visit here, unfortunately it has rained both times. Fantastic gift shop with some lovely souvenirs to take home. The whole concept of Zealandia is wonderful, and the staff clearly love what they do. The eco- friendly message is spread throughout the park, from the bathrooms recycled water, to the use of electric vehicles and charging stations. Beautiful grounds which even on a wet/cloudy day are serene and magical. Beautiful bird sounds can be heard throughout and the native bush stretches as far as the eye can see. We had a wonderful lady pick us up from the Cable Car/Gardens in the free courtesy van...her enthusiasm and commentary were wonderful. Unfortunately we had an issue returning as the free coach didnt arrive when it was supposed to, so we were left waiting a while. I suspect it didnt come to the front pick up point where we were told to wait but instead left from the charging station, so some clarity/signs would be of use so people know the correct assembly point. Another issue was with some of the tour guides, we weren't part of the tour but found it difficult to get past the large tour groups as they spread themselves across the paths to listen to the Guide. Perhaps a wee reminder from the guides to ask the tour groups to leave room for others. I'm not sure whether there is any assistance for people with mobility issues but it can be quite difficult/long way to walk for those who do have problems. Loved the activity points, the bird sounds area was a lovely touch.
Kiwi KalolaKiwi Kalola
00
We did a guided night tour and a day visit as well. If you book onto a night tour they give you free day entry the next day, which was a really nice bonus. I would 100% recommend the night tour if you have the chance. There were around 12 people on our tour. The group size enabled us to move around the forest quietly. You watch a short introduction film in the visitor's centre before heading outside. We learned a huge amount from our guide (Alan) during our time with him. While he led our group through the forest and told us about the surroundings, a volunteer (Sharon) walked ahead and spotted wildlife for us. She did an excellent job and we saw two kiwis, tuataras, and wētās to name a few. After our tour we returned to the visitor's centre to try kawakawa tea and ask the guides more questions. Some practical things: The carpark is fairly small, so get there early if you visit during the day. On a night tour this isn't a problem of course. Photography is allowed on the night tour as long as flash is disabled. You are given a headset to listen to the guide's voice, great for people with hearing issues. We were so pleased with our visit, it was everything we had hoped for and more!
G SG S
00
ZEALANDIA IS THE BIRDY VERSION OF JURASSIC PARK. There are fences to keep the predators out. But the birds can fly freely in and out of this GINOMOUS Sanctuary. I was so mad at myself for only leaving 2 hours to explore. I could have moved in forever. It was 4C but I didn't notice the cold because everywhere I looked there was fluttering, and chirping, and a cacophony of song. I LOVE the Tui. Sounds like R2D2. I made a friend from a native Toutouwai Robin that was "asking" me to move the leaves next to the edge of the path so it could hunt more easily for bugs. It hung out with me for 15minutes. So special. I only realised on my way back that there were "bug hotels" and I finally saw a Weta!! Kaka Parrots are so cute and you can tell they have mischievous personalities. Like I said, I was there just for 2 hours before my flight home. Next time I go I'll take: Small Folding seat Esky with food to last all day More layers of clothes! Camera and Tripod I would do both days (each ticket allows you to come in the next day) and try to get close to all the 32km of track.
Ang BAng B
00
Get ready to step into the closest thing the real world has to Jurassic Park. Enter a closely-monitored, fenced-in wilderness with some of the most exotic birds—many of which are being brought back from the brink of extinction (no mosquito amber necessary). If you thought a night at a park with dinosaurs would be interesting, take one of Zealandia's night tours and: - Get assaulted by a Takahe - Be horrified by Wetas the size of your palm - Experience terror at the laughing cries of Shags - Set your eyes on the adorably pathetic Kiwi bird If nightmares aren't quite your thing, then experience Zealandia during the day where your walks will be accompanied by - Big exotic birds like the Kaka - Small, less exotic birds like the Californian Quail - A never ending cacophony of bird noises With plenty of tracks and plenty of stunning vantage points (including but not limited to the suspension bridge, upper dam, and heritage center lookout tower), you're sure to find something magical at Zealandia!
Dallas JohnsonDallas Johnson
00
A wonderful place full of wonderful people. Claire was amazing as a tour guide, had such a fun time, highly recommend. Night tours book out welll in advance in peak summer days, and are apparently the only real way of seeing kiwi in the park, so if you're after kiwi book early. But we just went during the day and saw takahe, hihi, weta, all kinds of things. Take everything at a slow pace when you're there! Read the signs, try and find the bird that just called, look in crevices, take a tour. We're nature nerds but we did honestly get there on open for our tour and completely by accident walked out right on closing without realising how much time had passed. We'll be back! Two minor notes: it wasn't clear on the website that buying a day tour also gets you general admission to the park from like 9.30-5 that same day, and the prices are maybe a little high considering the experience is kinnnnd of a glamorous bush walk / hike.
GabeGabe
10
I was really impressed. Had heard from a few sources that it wasn't worth it, but we had a wonderful time and were very impressed with the lovely staff along the trails who were very nice and happy to tell us about the birds. We saw many kaka, tui, fantails, kereru and hihis. We didn't know beforehand that your ticket is for two consecutive days entry which was a lovely surprise and we went back the next day too (very useful when going with young children who might not manage a whole day). The cafe was good too, expensive but that's what you expect and of course with the current economic climate not surprising. My mum's house is near redwood bush, and all the conservation work has meant a massive resurgence in Native birds in the bush and around her place too. So wonderful! We went for a walk in Redwood bush after being to zealandia and I noticed a massive increase in Native birds in the bush in comparison to 10 years ago.
Annelise GroßeAnnelise Große
10
Nearby Attractions Of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Zealandia
Waimapihi Reserve
Embassy of Indonesia
KBRI Wellington

Zealandia
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Waimapihi Reserve
4.7
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Embassy of Indonesia
4.1
(36)
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KBRI Wellington
4.1
(16)
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Nearby Restaurants Of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Rātā Café
Kelburn Village Pub
Yellow Chilli Indian Restaurant
Graze Wine Bar
Delhi7 Indian Restaurant and Bar
Gipps Street Deli
Kelburn Cafe
HELL Pizza Northland
Zhou’s kitchen
UPESH KITCHEN (Est 2007)

Rātā Café
4.0
(310)
Click for details

Kelburn Village Pub
4.3
(267)
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Yellow Chilli Indian Restaurant
4.4
(211)
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Graze Wine Bar
4.9
(148)
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Basic Info
Address
53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Map
Phone
+64 4 920 9213
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Website
visitzealandia.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(2.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: Zealandia, Waimapihi Reserve, Embassy of Indonesia, KBRI Wellington, restaurants: Rātā Café, Kelburn Village Pub, Yellow Chilli Indian Restaurant, Graze Wine Bar, Delhi7 Indian Restaurant and Bar, Gipps Street Deli, Kelburn Cafe, HELL Pizza Northland, Zhou’s kitchen, UPESH KITCHEN (Est 2007)
