Walking into Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is like stepping back in time.
To a time when the dense ngahere/forest was filled with native birdsong, tuatara roamed the land, and the forest floor teemed with ancient frogs, mokomoko/lizards, and wētā (including palm-sized giant wētā).
This sanctuary, just minutes from Wellington CBD, is a world leader in its approach to conservation. Its 8.6km mammalian exclusion fence was specifically designed to keep out the biggest threats to the many native species that have been reintroduced to Wellington after a century long absence. These include kiwi pukupuku/little spotted kiwi, takahē, tuatara, kākā, pepeketua/Hamilton’s frog, hihi/stitchbird, and tīeke/North Island saddleback. Zealandia has a bold 500-year regeneration vision for the valley, and after just 26 years, it’s well on its way. Nature is resilient, given half a chance.
The very special experience of exploring the regenerating valley is enriched by day or after-hours tours led by knowledgeable and wildly enthusiastic guides. Public and custom tours tailored to your specific interests are available, from Night, Day, Dawn, Photography and Mandarin tours to a brand-new option, a botany-focussed tour.
Find out more: visitzealandia.com
