Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour

Overview

Available languages

Chinese

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

The ultimate way to experience New Zealand's rare and amazing wildlife! Enjoy an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque eco-sanctuary on this 2-hour small group tour and witness the native wildlife that lives on the mainland. Soak up the beautiful scenery while learning more about New Zealand’s unique ecological history. Experience firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

A maximum of 12 people per booking

Arrive at the Visitors Centre 15 minutes before your tour start time

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Photography allowed on this tour

Please enquire about service animal entry before booking.

Some of the tracks are wheelchair accessible, private tours are available

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Zealandia Te Mara a Tane

Meet your expert guide at the Visitors Centre ticket desk. The tour will begin with an introduction in the exhibition and viewing of a short film on the big screen, which describes the significance of the sanctuary and its ground-breaking conservation work. Venture out into the sanctuary to explore along a variety of tracks and trails. Your guide will inspire you along the way with stories about the sanctuary and its wildlife, immersing you in the ground-breaking conservation work happening at Zealandia. Their expert knowledge of the sanctuary will help you make the most out of your experience with New Zealand nature. You will also have the opportunity to see a wide range of native New Zealand birds. Witness the highly intelligent kākā (bush parrot), kakariki, tūī and bellbirds at feeding stations positioned along the sanctuary’s walkways. You may also see the critically endangered takahē, the busy tīeke (saddleback), the bright hihi, tuatara, and green gecko. There will also be plenty of opportunities to take photographs of these amazing avians as well as the surrounding, picturesque landscapes.

2 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Professional Tour Guide

Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase)

Food and drinks

Lunch

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Options

Zealandia by Day

Zealandia by Day - Mandarin

Language: Mandarin

Reviews

4.80

225 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

196

Endangered wildlife tour
Eugene H,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great to see what this group has done to save some threatened species. Also the walk through the area was very nice to see and hear the wildlife
Zealandia is a truly special place - 100% worth a visit
ChappaquaReviewer,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the best nature sanctuaries I've ever seen. A broad range of species in a beautiful spot with multiple trails providing excellent access. We had an incredibly knowledgeable guide who helped us understand the history of the preserve and helped us find and see multiple species of birds and reptiles. Outstanding overall experience.
So many birds!
cjgkrn,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Despite the 2 hours of pouring rain, we saw many many birds. Our guide was very informative about the history of Zeelandia and the plant and birds we saw. There is a free shuttle from the city center or cable car
Unforgettable day!
V3109GAroyb,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Emily was so interesting, funny, and has a great depth of knowledge. She’s clearly a lifelong learner. Everyone felt included, with explanations at different levels for different ages.
Cruise ship excursion.
judybl1,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very informative- saw birds we wanted to see , good commentary on plants etc. On time pickup from behind info centre although this is a long walk from Cruise terminal. Great to hear and see the Zealandia objective to preserve wildlife.
An enjoyable experience & a good walk
TravelDooey,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
I think your guide makes a big difference on this tour. Having witnessed at least 4 guides in action, we were very thankful that we had Gill. No ranting or raving or a loud over-bearing voice. She was very knowledgeable & well suited to a tour of this kind.
Worth the trip
sjellington,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We took the cable car up the the top then caught a free shuttle to Zealandia. We had an excellent tour guide but we did not see more than a couple of birds because of the canopy. It was an amazing experience nonetheless! The crowds were not large, but I suggest you take the tour and then go hike on your own. The tour guide goes rather slowly to explain everything. We absolutely loved her. She explained not only the importance of the Zealandia cause, but also the history of the Maori and the significance of their culture. If only the US did the same with its indigenous peoples!
The guide we had was very...
Stephen M,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
The guide we had was very knowledgable, friendly and allowed us all the time needed for pictures and discussion.
Zealandia: A “Must See” in Wellington!
Marianne W,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Zealandia was a hidden gem. We learned so much about this incredible organization with their mission of saving the indigenous and endangered bird population of New Zealand through habitat restoration and community education. We went on a 2-hour guided walk through beautiful dense and verdant terrain while learning about and looking for the birds, plants & insects who call it home. We would highly recommend a visit to Zealandia. They also have a wonderful cafe and gift shop.
If you care about ecosystems and wildlife, this is not to be missed.
Happiness18519026937,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Zealandia is the name of an amazing wildlife refuge in Wellington, NZ. It is a fully fenced sanctuary for many of Aotearoa New Zealand’s rarest species of birds, fish, plants, and insects. The only way to understand the scope of this amazing place is to go see it and listen to the guide as you tour it. We did a short day time tour. A twilight or night tour would be incredible. Maybe next time. Our guide, Gill, was excellent. She explained how this wonderful place was created, and helped us find and see many of the creatures in residence there. If you care about ecosystems and wildlife, this is not to be missed.