Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

My husband came for the birds while I came for the foliage. We spent about 2 hours here walking along the main easy track, and checking out the upper dam and suspension bridge. There was only one restroom stop along the path, so plan ahead. We enjoyed walking through the lush greenery and hearing the different bird songs. The gift shop and cafe in the welcome center were such added bonuses to the experience, too. Love the Maori language and images of the birds and plants scattered throughout the paths, too. 🌳

One of the most beautiful and famous places around Wellington. Family-friendly and wheelchair access for limited roads. No matter what your fitness level is, you can choose a track that suits you. If you want to go with your family, friends, or solo, this is one of the best places to spend your day outdoors. Because of the leaflet map and clear road signs, you will never lose your way. This is a smoke- and vape-free area. You are allowed to bring your own foods and drinks. Wheelchair access and car parks are available.

The reserve is so good. Tracks well formed and cater for all fitness levels. Bush is lovely even the old pine trees seem to be refuge for the cheeky kaka which call from tops. Was self guided and saw lots of different native and endemic birds. If you don’t have the time then the guided (2hrs) will get you to see more. Thoroughly recommend.

As a local, I adore Zealandia. It has a variety of bush walks to suit all abilities, so many birds to spot, amazing volunteers who are always ready to answer questions or tell you what to look out for. Great gift shop, too. If you love nature/ birds then Zealandia is so worth your time. I recommend buying a membership if you're local!

Absolutely wonderful reserve! Started 25 years ago, this reserve is the only place you can see tuataras in a “wild” setting in the North Island. Heaps of birds! Yes, it’s an expense for a single visit if you’re from out of town, but well worth it! Other complainers were on about “I can see this for free elsewhere…”. Sure. Drive several hours of time and petrol and really… no. Not true. So, worth it. The negative reviews I read through here were either cheeky complaints about the cafe or about not seeing birds. The cafe is not really a part of the reserve. And there were heaps of birds! Have not visited in the winter, as that’s likely when the complainers came. Tuataras would not be out then and would certainly overall be quieter than the summer. I also had a wonderful experience on their boat on the lower dam lake (what you see pictures of) that is included in the price of admission. The captain was very informed and helpful about the species we saw and about the park.

Such a lovely place! Loved walking around and seeing all the plants and birds. We saw quite a few lizards too. Staff were super friendly and welcoming. Catch the shuttle from the cable car or drive here, either way it’s worth the visit!

I wasn't sure what to expect, but we had a lot of fun. We had a map with all kinds of birds on the back and we tried to find them all. We probably only missed like two or three, but we've seen a lot of birds that weren't on the paper. They should make this a bingo with all the birdies you can spot. Makes the walk through all the lovely nature even more interesting. Also the people working here and telling you about the animals is super nice. They know a lot!

Highly recommend! A ticket is 26$ for 2 days, I went twice. Saw around 10 Tuataras and almost all the bird species on the bird guide that you get with the map when you purchase the ticket. Lovely forest, had a magical feeling to it with all the birds. We got great explanations from volunteers around the park. They were very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Thank you!