Accessibility at ZEALANDIA

Wheelchair users

The Zealandia Visitor Centre has an elevator suitable for wheelchair users. This allows access to the front desk, exhibition, and Rāta cafe. There are a number of wheelchair accessible tracks throughout the valley. They are signposted in the valley, but any of our friendly staff at the front desk should be able to point out our recommended route on a map and you can view the tracks on our wheelchair accessibility map.

We recommend that wheelchair users bring a companion – they are able to enter free of charge. There are wheelchair accessible toilets in the Visitor Centre and more in the sanctuary, about 20 minutes from the entrance. Disabled car parking is available.

Three mobility scooters (kindly donated by a local family and TSB Bank / Wellington City Council) are available for use free of charge.

If you’d like to book a scooter in advance, please email us at Visitors.Centre@visitzealandia.com and include the day and timeframe you’d like to reserve it. 

 

 

Getting here: Our shuttle has room to bring a wheelchair, however we do not currently have a chairlift. If you are unable to move comfortably from your chair into the shuttle, we recommend calling Combined Taxis. They have a fleet of mobility vans available. Please let them know if you require a wheelchair hoist. Combined Taxis: +64 (0)4 384 4444 or taxis.co.nz.

Zealandia works hard to ensure everyone has an opportunity to experience the unique native flora and fauna of New Zealand. Although it is an outdoor environment, a large area of the sanctuary is accessible for wheelchair users, deaf or blind visitors, and visitors with other impairments.

Blind Visitors

Guide and disability assist dogs are often allowed on to conservation land where other dogs are not – see Department of Conservation for more information. These dogs are usually highly-trained and pose minimal risk during the day. Please refer to the guidelines below on guide/disability assist dog access at Zealandia:

  • • Please call ahead of your visit so that we can arrange for you to talk with conservation staff before entering the valley.
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  • • Your guide/disability dog must have the appropriate jacket and certification before it is allowed into the valley.
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  • • Any dog poo must be picked up, and disposed of away from Zealandia.
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  • • Any barking/disruption will lead to the dog being removed.
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  • • Muzzles are preferred but not necessary unless the dog has been trained to use one. Muzzles alone cannot always protect wildlife from damage or death.
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  • • Dogs are not permitted to be in the sanctuary at night, including Zealandia By Night tours.

Other Equipment Available

The following items can be hired from the Visitor Centre to assist your visit:

  • • Three mobility scooters – free to use (kindly donated by a local family and TSB Bank / Wellington City Council) 
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  • • One WandaTrak – free to use. Kindly sponsored by James Campbell and family. 
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  • • Child buggies (kindly donated by Phil & Teds)

 

If you’d like to book a scooter in advance, please email the Visitors Centre at Vistors.Centre@visitzealandia.com and include the day and timeframe you’d like to reserve it.