Zealandia: Night tour looking for kiwis

Your excitement begins to grow as your excursion sets off into Zealandia, the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s one of the country’s most beautiful highlights and a paradise for nature lovers. A fence borders the reserve in a secluded valley to protect the endangered native species from unoriginal New Zealand animals. This method is part of the reserve’s long term plan to restore how nature was 500 years ago.

Your guide, learn about the exciting trails that lead you on a discovery tour through the tall trees and native wildlife, such as the endangered Maud Island frogs and colorful parrots.

The daytime exploration was just an appetizer for your unforgettable tour. Grab a flashlight and head off onto your night tour through the bush. As the moonlight glistens upon the nature trails, hike alongside the illuminated fireflies as your discovery tour continues.

Now it’s time to see the highlight of your night tour: kiwis! Listen to the nocturnal birds sing as the sounds of the New Zealand bush come alive. With a little luck, you might see a tuatara cross the same trail you’re hiking! Even though the local guides are experts at finding the little kiwis’ hangout spots, it’s not always easy to see them. Alternatively, you will hear their birdsongs pierce through the night sky!

Please remember to bring sturdy shoes and warm, weatherproof clothing.

Services & Notes

• Meeting point: Zealandia

• Transfer: on your own, no shuttle available

• Departure

  • High season: 1 Nov - 31 Mar (MON-SUN),
  • Low season: 1 Apr - 31 Oct (WED, FRI-SUN)

• Daily, except on December 25th

• Group size: min. 2 participants, max. 24 participants

• Duration: 2.5 hours

• Difficulty level: easy, partly stairs

• English-speaking guide

• Equipment: Hiking shoes, warm/rainproof clothing

• Transfer back to the hotel: on your own

• This tour can be booked on day 16 of the round trip “Australia & New Zealand: Koalas & Kiwis.”