Sanctuary helps to reclaim wild side
Where can you stroll safely in pristine native bush, see a real-life dinosaur and some of the world’s rarest birds, just a few minutes from the centre of town?
Where/what is it?
Zealandia: Te mara a Tane – a wildlife reserve nestled in a valley of the Otari bush behind Wellington covers more than 200 hectares of native bush including a human-made lake and more than 20 kilometres of walking trails.
It’s home to thousands of birds, including more than 18 endangered species, as well as New Zealand’s rarest – the kiwi and takahe.
Zealandia claims to be the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary and is free of domestic pets, stoats, rats and other pests.
Why go?
It’s possibly one of the only places in New Zealand where you can get close to some of our most precious and endangered native birds and reptiles. But it’s also incredibly beautiful and restful. There’s even a disused gold mine to visit, that’s home to a thriving colony of cave wetas.
The main reason to go is in the air and fossicking in the undergrowth, however. There are thriving communities of saddlebacks, North Island robins and native shags as well as our incredibly rare native parrot, the kaka. Also, you can meet a living dinosaur ... sort of. There are more than 50 tuatara, New Zealand’s largest reptile and only prehistoric survivor, at Zealandia.
They share the bush with two kinds of geckos, a colony of tiny maud island frogs, skinks, three kinds of weta – including the giant Cook Strait one – and the most magnificent invertebrate you ever saw – the leaf veined slug.
Insider tip
With feeding posts right next to the trails, you can get about as close to the fun-loving kaka as you like – they will let you know when you’re close enough! Watch them using the unique feeding posts that require them to use their considerable reasoning powers to get at the food.
When you’re in the ‘‘wetland area’’ around the lake, try to catch a glimpse of two of the rarest birds in the country – the takahe. Named Puffin and T2, they’re an elderly breeding pair that have never been that successful in the breeding stakes. Although, according to our tour guide, the pair seem to have tried again this season.
On the way/near by
The Otari bush has plenty of walking and cycling trials for the avid outdoor types. But if a gentle stroll is more your speed, the Botanical Gardens are also nearby, complete with charming tea room, rose garden, begonia house and the absolutely splendid Carter Observatory.
How much?
It’s not cheap to keep Zealandia going – but you will see every penny well spent once you’re inside. Adults are $18.50, children $10, with under 5s free. A family pass will set you back $46 for two adults and three children.
Guided tours are available and there is a night-time option too.
Best time to go
Early in the morning or just before dusk to hear the dawn and evening choruses. While there is a very good visitors’ centre with a film and lots of educational displays, the real action is outside, without much cover, so pick a fine day. – Kylie Klein Nixon
The writer travelled on her own dime.