Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore the valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to pre-human state.

Set around a picturesque reservoir, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife - all thriving wild in a world-first protected sanctuary.

Opening Hours:

9.00am - 5.00pm

Open every day except Christmas Day

EXPLORE ZEALANDIA

Everything you need to know about your visit to the sanctuary

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ABOUT ZEALANDIA

Learn more about our 500-year vision and our contribution to conservation in Aotearoa NZ

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EDUCATION AND YOUTH

Find out what we offer for schools, ECE and young people

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CAFE & FUNCTIONS

Offering delicious food + wedding and function packages

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ONLINE SHOP

Shop for products with purpose – all sales contribute to our conservation work

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MAKE A DONATION

Keep native wildlife flourishing and support us by donating towards our conservation work

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Explore the outdoors at your own pace or be led by a guide! During the day, walk amongst rare birds like hihi, kākāriki and takahē. Spot prehistoric reptiles like the tuatara bathing in the sun. See how the sanctuary transforms after dark on a guided tour and search for thousands of glow worms and over 150 kiwi roaming free.

Experience the source of the increasing native bird biodiversity in Wellington, while supporting our ground-breaking conservation research.

Connect with nature. Visit Zealandia.

Zealandia Blog

To feed or not to feed: Bringing birds to your back yard

At Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, we recommend planting native trees and shrubs, rather than putting out sugar water feeders or fruit and nuts to attract birds to your gardens. Here are a few reasons why...

Actions for the awa

Here are some steps you can take to improve the mouri/lifeforce and biodiversity of your neighbourhood awa/waterways.

Action at home: Create a lizard garden

Read about how Zealandia member and wildlife photographer, Holly Neill, created her little lizard haven, Mokomoko Manor, and how you can start one at home too.

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