Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations
8 GREAT
Places to see kiwi
Despite their relatively small population, you can see a kiwi in real life at a number of kiwi houses and sanctuaries around New Zealand. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of them in the wild. Here are eight places around New Zealand to see this amazing bird. RAINBOW SPRINGS – ROTORUA
Located among flourishing native forest and natural springs, Rainbow Springs is home to the National Kiwi Hatchery. This world-leading hatchery has hatched more than 2000 kiwi chicks to date. Here, you can see real conservation in action. You can support the centre by purchasing a National Kiwi Hatchery tour, and if you’re lucky you may even witness a kiwi chick hatch, or see one getting a health check.
ROTOROA ISLAND – AUCKLAND
Rotoroa Island can be found in the Hauraki Gulf and is home to over 25 North Island brown kiwi. There is accommodation on the island, so plan to stay the night for your best chance of seeing or hearing a kiwi. Managed by The Rotoroa Island Trust, a small group of keen conservationists, an idyllic wildlife sanctuary has been created sitting just off the coast of Auckland city and open for everyone to enjoy. The island also has a museum and exhibition centre where you can learn more about its unique history.
ŌTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE
Planning a trip to Waitomo? Be sure to add a stop at the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park
“If you are lucky, you may even see a kiwi chick hatch, or see one getting a health check”
to your itinerary. The Kiwi House has over 20 brown kiwi on site as part of a nationwide captive breeding programme, and has been conserving kiwi and other New Zealand natives since 1971. Join in on one of the daily keeper talks to hear more about the work done at this amazing facility.
PŪKAHA NATIONAL WILDLIFE CENTRE – WAIRARAPA
Pūkaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre pioneered captive breeding techniques for some of New Zealand’s most threatened birds. Pūkaha is home to Manukura, a rare white kiwi, hatched in 2011. Wander through the bush-clad walking tracks and see native wildlife in their enclosures, including the free-flight aviary.
WILLOWBANK WILDLIFE RESERVE – CHRISTCHURCH
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve incubates eggs for up to four species of kiwi – Ōkarito rowi, Haast tokoeka, great spotted, and North Island brown. Willowbank was the first to open a glass-free nocturnal house for kiwi in a natural environment, guaranteeing viewings every time.
OROKONUI ECOSANCTUARY – DUNEDIN
The 307ha Orokonui Ecosanctuary – 20km north of Dunedin – plays an important role in Haast tokoeka kiwi conservation. This is the rarest of all kiwi, with only five percent of chicks reaching adulthood in the wild. The Ecosanctuary includes a 14ha kiwi crèche, where up to 14 juveniles can grow to at least the 1.2kg they need to be to defend themselves from their main predator – stoats. They are then returned to their original habitat in South Westland.
NATIONAL KIWI CENTRE – HOKITIKA
The National Kiwi Centre is situated in the heart of Hokitika and provides the opportunity to get up close and personal with New Zealand’s national icons. You can engage directly with their wildlife keepers to learn more about New Zealand’s fascinating flightless birds.
STEWART ISLAND
The Real Journeys Kiwi Encounter is one of the ultimate kiwi experiences. Join an expert guide as you enjoy a short boat ride, followed by a walk through coastal forest, before reaching Ocean Beach. Here in the darkness you will get to see the Southern brown kiwi (Rakiura tokoeka) in the wild as it searches for its dinner.