Sometimes it can seem as though the birds get all the attention, but throughout March we’re putting a spotlight on some of our smaller wildlife: the bugs and slugs.

All events are free with admission unless stated otherwise; scroll down for other discounts too.

Don’t be shy, make friends with a bug!

Sundays 10 & 17 March. Boat shed, Heritage Lawn.

Microscope viewing, live samples and identification charts will help you get closer to the invertebrates that our ecosystems are so reliant on. Pick up a free fact sheet and don’t miss seeing cave wētā at the Morning Star Mine and tree wētā in their ‘hotels’ around the valley.

Invasion of the wasps: Evening seminar

7.30pm, Thursday 14 March. Zealandia Visitor Centre.

This members’ seminar is open to all. Professor Phil Lester from Victoria University will be sharing some shocking and intriguing finds from studies on exotic wasps in New Zealand’s beech forests. Free for members. Gold coin donation for guests.

New Zealand’s slugs

Sunday 17 March, 11am – 3pm. Boat shed on Heritage Lawn.

Slug expert Dave Burton will be showing samples of our wide-ranging native veined slugs (putoko) and sharing his knowledge of these mysterious creatures.

Lice and their hosts

Sunday 24 March, 2pm. Visitor Centre.

Lice (kutu) rely completely on their host, so their stories are linked to those of the birds (or mammals) they live on. Lice expert Ricardo Palma will give a presentation about the bugs we’d usually rather not think about.

More

Depending on availability we may add another Sunday event to Creepy Crawlies month so check back soon.

20% Discounts

• March is the last month of of our summer offer: 20% off for families purchasing full General Admission.
• Take home a wētā: 20% off all wētā items at our Store (not the real ones!).