Sight guide · Wellington · New Zealand
Visiting Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
A predator-proof fence encloses a 225-hectare forested valley around old reservoirs, where native species including takahē, kākā, tīeke (saddleback), hihi and tuatara live largely free from introduced predators.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Tony Wills, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is a nature spot in Karori, Wellington. Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Night tours are small and sell out; book ahead.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Karori
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- nature, kids, outdoors and after dark
- Best months
- January–March
About Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
A predator-proof fence encloses a 225-hectare forested valley around old reservoirs, where native species including takahē, kākā, tīeke (saddleback), hihi and tuatara live largely free from introduced predators. Walking tracks lead through regenerating forest, and guided night tours look for little spotted kiwi and glowworms.
Tip: Book a guided night tour for the best chance of seeing kiwi; daytime visitors should go early when the birds are most active.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: Night tours are small and sell out; book ahead.
- Where: Karori.
Best time to visit Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- January: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- March: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Wellington has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Wellington itinerary visits Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne on day 2, together with Wellington Cable Car, Parliament and the Beehive and Wellington Museum.
- No. 5 of the 18 sights in our Wellington things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Wellington.
- A family favourite in Wellington with kids.
If you like Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
- Wellington Botanic Garden — Kelburn, 1.5 hours
- Space Place at Carter Observatory — Kelburn, 1.5 hours
- Waterfront walk to Oriental Bay — Oriental Bay, 1–2 hours
- Wellington Zoo — Newtown, 2–3 hours
Staying near Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Where to stay in Wellington compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne?
Plan 2–3 hours.
+Is Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne free?
No, it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne?
January–March for the most comfortable weather. Book a guided night tour for the best chance of seeing kiwi; daytime visitors should go early when the birds are most active.
+Do I need to book Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne in advance?
Night tours are small and sell out; book ahead.
+Is Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Wellington. Wellington is easy with children: Te Papa is free and highly interactive, the cable car and Space Place are fun, and Zealandia, the zoo and the waterfront fill a few days.