10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Greater Wellington That You Shouldn't Miss

A couple of hours is money well spent with Mick Peryer – a local celebrity and acknowledged author. His dry sense of humour fits in well with his extensive knowledge of the area and during his tour it is not uncommon to record over 25 species of bird on his patch and indeed some 63 species visit the estuary during a year.There are some stories of avian romance that can only be told by Mick and his preferred mode of transport is unusual but extremely photogenic.The tour costs $35NZ per head but includes transport around his preferred locations and is rounded off by a cream tea at his home high above the estuary which on its own is a sight to behold. Suitable for all ages and abilities Mick can on request accommodate largerre are some stories of avian romance that can only be told by Mick and his preferred mode of transport is unusual but extremely photogenic.The tour costs $35NZ per head but includes transport around his preferred locations and is rounded off by a cream tea at his home high above the estuary which on its own is a sight to behold. Suitable for all ages and abilities Mick can on request accommodate larger parties.

Personal guided bird watching tours in the pristine natural environment of South Wairarapa.Spectacular scenery, diverse bird populations and decades of local knowledge and dedication to preserving habitat.

Imagine a lush forest full of rare native animals. Discover ZEALANDIA – an ecosanctuary home to over 40 rare native species and 32km of walking tracks. Explore the outdoors at your own pace or be led by a guide! Our nature experts will show you the best places to spot wildlife like kakariki, tuatara and takahe on a ZEALANDIA by Day tour. Relax at Rata cafe with delicious food made from sustainably sourced ingredients and admire the views over the lake. Browse locally designed art, jewellery, homewares, books, clothes and gifts at the store where the products you buy have purpose and help the sanctuary to operate. For something a little more adventurous, see how the sanctuary transforms after dark on a ZEALANDIA by Night tour and search for thousands of glow worms and over 150 kiwi. Experience this world-renowned conservation success that lies only minutes from Wellington’s CBD. As a not-for-profit, your visit helps us ensure the future flourishing of New Zealand’s native wildlife.

Wellington Zoo is New Zealand’s first Zoo, and Wellington’s oldest conservation organisation, caring for animals since 1906. The Zoo is a not for profit charitable trust and we're proud to be the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo. We are guided by our kaupapa Me Tiaki, Kia Ora! We must look after our environment, so all things will flourish. It is up to us collectively to make a difference for animals and the wild places they call home. See our website for entry prices and to plan your visit. If you have accessibility needs, you can find more visitor information on our website.

Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. The Garden is a unique plant sanctuary and forest reserve and includes 100ha of native forest and 5ha of plant collections. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old rimu. It is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Just a 10-minute drive from the CBD or take the no. 14 bus bound for Wilton and get off at the Warwick St/Wilton Rd stop. Tell the bus driver and they will be sure to stop.

Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe is less than an hour from Wellington and a 'must see' attraction for anyone either living in or visiting Wellington. Staglands offers a unique experience for people of all ages to feed and freely interact with a wide range of native and exotic birds and animals in an environment that has been created with nature's materials. Open daily 9:30am-5pm. Adults $24, Children $12 (3 and under no charge)