Free As A Bird

Have you been enjoying seeing kākā, pīwakawaka (fantail) and other native birds flying above you during lockdown? Do you wonder where they originally come from and how so many seem to survive in Wellington compared with other parts of New Zealand? Visit ZEALANDIA to hear the calls and see the hundreds of birds, insects and native plants that flourish only 10 minutes from the CBD. Zealandia is a world-class ecosanctuary right here in Karori, Wellington and it is Free As A Bird (entry is free) until 19 July 2020.

There are tracks for all ages and abilities, and you can spend minutes or hours searching along the pathways, relaxing to the sounds of the bird calls, finding out the stories of the native plants, or spotting tuatara bathing in the days sun, rare tīeke (saddleback) and the takahē that was was previously thought to be extinct.

Take this time to find out what makes Wellington's skies soar!

There is plenty of parking, electric car chargers, free shuttles from the top of the Cable Car and Wakefield Street, plus a cafe for delicious food and drinks where you can gaze out at the birds flying across the lake.