Photo: Daniel Allen

Take a look at our 2 hour Zealandia 101 itinerary to get a feel for how you might spend your time at the sanctuary. Add more time if you want to delve deeper in the exhibition (there are lots of short videos and information panels) or if you want to head deeper in to the valley for a longer walk – with 32km of tracks to choose from you can easily spend a whole day at Zealandia!

Extra information for keen bird-watchers – see our bird-watching list.

Free guided tours and talks

Keep in mind our schedule of free tours and talks. Many visitors like to come at 10am, spend an hour in the exhibition, then head in to the valley around 11am and catch the 11:15am “Walk and Talk” from the pontoon, before carrying on to magnificent views at the upper dam and bird feeders at the Discovery Area.

Longer visits

For a longer loop try the Round the Lake track, or join the Tui Glen and Turbine tracks for a rugged (and hilly) day tramp!

Our best advice

Don’t rush! Make time to stop regularly and let the nature come to you.

Rata café

Before or after your trip, pop up to Rata café for a relaxing drink or delicious meal and enjoy the view over the lake.