Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour
Description
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. Zealandia by Day tours in Mandarin require a minimum number of four participants to operate. If the minimum number is not reached, we may have to cancel the tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(244)
Incredible learning experience that can not be had any where else in the world. Kudos to the organization for their accomplishments and continuing efforts.
We booked the first tour of the day and spent two hours with our guide exploring this beautiful sanctuary. Great for anyone who wants to learn about wildlife, and you're able to explore after your tour as well! It was so great to see rare wildlife and learn about the history of the area as well. We took the cable car up to Kelburn Terminal but decided to walk the 30 mins to the sanctuary, taking the free shuttle back to Kelburn Terminal after the tour.
What an Incredible experience. The tireless work that Zealanida, the amazing staff and volunteers are doing for this beautiful sanctuary is beyond words it's really extraordinary and so worth a visit. The first of its kind in the world and and book a private tour so that you get the Indepth information about it all. Johnny was such a great and enthusiastic guide. We can't wait to go back.
Our shuttle bus driver recommended the 2 hour guided tour at Zealandia and we were so pleased we did! Our guide was knowledgeable and realistic about what we may see on the tour and even she said we exceeded expectations in hearing and viewing so many of the birds and mini ecosystems along the way. It was a very easy 2 hour walk and extremely enjoyable . Well worth the $70 which included the $31 entry fee. The tour definitely enhanced our experience!
A fantastic visit. Really lovely to walk through the rainforest, hear about the conservation work done there, spot and hear the different birds/wildlife. There is a free shuttle to Zealandia (approx 15 mins) from the top of the cable car - when booking your tour time, check the times of the shuttle as it takes an hour off for lunch during the day
We were on a 2 month tour, and visiting many national parks, sanctuaries and reserves. We booked the tour thinking it would give us more insight into the animals but unfortunately we were disappointed. Our guide was new, and somewhat knowledgable about plant life. We did not see that many birds. For us just wandering around would have been better. I think for children it may be a nice reserve for wildlife in a city. I did try to do an early morning tour with a private guide but with cruise ships arriving, there were none available.
Very interesting place to visit whilst in Wellington. Great concept and seems to be getting good results.
Amazing experience! Worth every cent! It's a great idea to do a guided tour to learn the lay of the land and then sign up for a membership and come back every day!
We were in two minds about whether to book a tour or not - they are quite expensive ($70 for an adult) - and we were worried it wouldn't hold the attention of our 9 year old. But gosh I am so glad we did! With Rory's expertise we saw and learned so much while we were there. It was great having an expert with us, who knew where to look and what to listen out for. So, if like us you're wondering whether doing a tour is worthwhile - do it! You won't regret it 😊
Lovely guided walk with very knowledgeable guide, taking in the history and background of the Zealandia mission.
