Zealandia Eco Reserve & Otari Wilton Bush

Discover New Zealand’s natural history and conservation movement on a guided tour of world-class Wildlife Sanctuary, Zealandia. The extraordinary conservation area showcases New Zealand’s rarest species including saddleback and hihi birds, saved from extinction, and the national mascot, the little spotted kiwi. Locals often refer to Zealandia as ‘Jurassic Park’ because it’s the only place in mainland New Zealand where you can see the famous ‘living fossil’, the tuatara. This unusual reptile is a descendant of the lizard-like reptiles that flourished over 200 million years ago. Other unusual species include the Maud Island frog, over 20 species of endemic birds including the kaka parrot, the tui songbird and the kereru, a colourful pigeon. Look out for the giant weta, one of the biggest insects in the world! The Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is New Zealand’s only public botanic garden dedicated to native plants. Classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture and consisting of 250 acres of native forest and plants, one of the main attractions is the canopy walkway. Rising over 18 metres above the forest floor, the 75 metre walkway links two garden areas. Special Notes: Please wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, a hat and jacket, plenty of biodegradable sunscreen and bring bottled water. Please bring cash/credit cards for gift shop purchases. Tou order may vary. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

Photography

Please bring your camera!

Refreshments