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Zealandia - Twilight Guided Eco Wildlife Tour
4.8
34 Ratings
Wellington
Discover Zealandia at twilight. Join a 2.5-hour guided tour to witness native birds’ dusk chorus and the sanctuary’s evening transformation.
Discover Zealandia at twilight. Join a 2.5-hour guided tour to witness native birds’ dusk chorus and the sanctuary’s evening transformation.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary - These exclusive tours start 2 hours before sunset, when the last of the daytime visitors have gone. You will begin your tour with the highlights of Zealandia’s interactive exhibition where you will uncover the unique natural history of New Zealand and hear about the 500-year vision of the sanctuary. Your guide will then…
- ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary - These exclusive tours start 2 hours before sunset, when the last of the daytime visitors have gone. You will begin your tour with the highlights of Zealandia’s interactive exhibition where you will uncover the unique natural history of New Zealand and hear about the 500-year vision of the sanctuary. Your guide will then lead you on an after-hours tour through the regenerating valley during one of the most active times of the day for many of our species. Encounter unique wildlife such as wētā, takahē, tuatara and more. You may even experience the first sounds of the nocturnal birds, such as kiwi and ruru (morepork) as they wake.
What's Included
- Tea and coffee
- Guided walking tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition and Sanctuary Valley
- Entry to Zealandia as a general admission visitor on the day of or day after your tour
- Tea and coffee
- Guided walking tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition and Sanctuary Valley
- Entry to Zealandia as a general admission visitor on the day of or day after your tour
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Experience Zealandia as it transforms from daylight to twilight during this special 2.5 hour guided experience. You will have an opportunity to experience the dusk chorus sung by a cacophony of native New Zealand birds. See birds returning to the sanctuary to settle into their nests and marvel at the sight of the evening sky and hear the changing sounds…
Experience Zealandia as it transforms from daylight to twilight during this special 2.5 hour guided experience. You will have an opportunity to experience the dusk chorus sung by a cacophony of native New Zealand birds. See birds returning to the sanctuary to settle into their nests and marvel at the sight of the evening sky and hear the changing sounds of birds from day to night. The fully-fenced, urban eco-sanctuary is located 10-minutes from Wellington central business district, a not to be missed experience! Witness firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Wear sturdy footwear, bring extra layers of clothing and a waterproof jacket.
- To get to ZEALANDIA at night we recommend you book a taxi via your hotel concierge team or call Wellington Combined Taxis Ph: (04) 384 44 44
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time
Location
53 Waiapu Road
Waiapu Road
Departure Point: Zealandia Visitors Centre
Address: End of Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington
Directions: To get to ZEALANDIA at night we recommend you book a taxi or uber.
You can call Wellington Combined Taxis
Dates: See Availability
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(34 Ratings)
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Paige_j
Aug 26, 2024
Unique Birds! - A lovely walk through the woods. We saw some really unique Birds and critters. While we weren't lucky enough to spot a kiwi, we did hear the mating calls. Definitely recommended to anyone visiting Wellington.
Review provided by Viator
Lonk55
Apr 25, 2024
Don’t miss - Truly a highlight of our trip! Two guides and the two of us walking Zealandia for 2.5 hours. What a tremendous undertaking Zealandia is, and what a success it seems to be. Starting at dusk, we first got to witness the birds, many of which were endangered, coming back to the preserve to roost. Nico led the way, accompanied by Ruth, and identified species by appearance, flight patterns and call. At dark the adventure truly started. Aided by infrared lighting Nico showed us birds, lizards, insects and, best of all, 5(!) separate kiwi sightings! We can’t recommend this highly enough and the private tour added to the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Journey31183358395
Apr 14, 2024
Do Not Miss! - Our guide, Amanda, and volunteer scout Anthony made sure we had the most amazing visit. Amanda was very knowledgeable and Anthony scouted ahead so that we were able to have encounters with the wonderful wildlife. We were fortunate to see three Kiwi - sigh! Zealandia is a fabulous place and we were glad to be able to visit and support the protection of the various species that reside there. Going at twilight was extra special - I'm so glad we chose this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scrumptioussolent
Mar 21, 2024
Nocturnal tour was fun - We did the nighttime tour with knowledgable guide (Alan) and scout volunteer (also called Alan) and very much enjoyed our trip. Walking round the sanctuary at night is a very different experience and although we didn’t get to see the elusive kiwi, we did get to see the tuatara (lizard type creatures), the takahe (bird), the kereru (bird) glowworms, weta, ducks, fish and a variety of other birds. You’re given red torches so you can try and spot wildlife and earphones so you can hear the guide easily.
It was interesting to hear how New Zealand’s flora and fauna had evolved since the arrival of man, and their plans to return the area to indigenous flora and fauna.
Your evening tour ticket also lets you return first free the following day during daylight so you can see the sanctuary from both perspectives.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T1435oofabioo
Mar 20, 2024
A Fantastic Walk in The Forest with Kiwis, Kakas, Tuatara and more - It was an amazing experience!!! We saw most endemic birds, including two Lesser Spotted Kiwis, very close plus Tuatara, Glow Worms, Weta..... Manoela and Glenda were extremely nice and helped us to fit a late arrical due toa delayed flight. It us a myst visit place for nature lovers and a great example of hands on conservation. Zillion Stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stewart_m
Feb 12, 2024
The guides were very... - The guides were very knowledgeable and easy to understand. The construction and management of the fencing was interesting. This tour would be more suitable for bird enthusiasts as it would be a walk down a dusky path. All in all it is of my bucket list.
Review provided by Viator
789davidw
Feb 8, 2024
Great time on twilight tour - We took the twilight tour (the night tour was booked) and were glad we did. We saw lots of birds before dark and particularly enjoyed hearing their songs. Then after dark we were lucky enough to spot a kiwi. Guide (Alan) was terrific as was his sidekick (Ava). Gift shop is unusually interesting. Remarkable that the city and citizenry created this oasis.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Revital_s
Jan 29, 2024
Recommended - All in all was a calm delight experience.
I liked our first evening in NZ. Walking and listening to the birds, the warm tea that was served kindly.
Review provided by Viator
Lewisgerry
Jan 20, 2024
Fantastic Twilight Tour - Myself and my partner went on the Twilight tour in January 2024. Our tour guide, Ash, was absolutely fantastic. She had an informative answer to every single question, was very entertaining and passionate, and really enhanced the experience. Although we didn’t see any Kiwis (it was a bit early for them!) we heard a few of their calls which was exciting, and saw plenty of other fascinating, beautiful birds and reptiles (not lizards!). I would thoroughly recommend the twilight tour for anyone remotely interested in the natural history of New Zealand.
At one point in the tour an argument threatened to break out due to a disruptive member of the group, but Ash handled things very calmly and professionally, and was back to teaching in her normal manner quickly! I would say she really went above and beyond to make the experience great. As first-time visitors of Zealandia and New Zealand, we were very impressed, and will certainly come back when we are next in the country. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ann
Feb 5, 2024
Great experience. Recommend - Great experience. Very knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Easy hike and thoughtful conversation. Really enjoyed the twilight hike and we were lucky enough to spot a kiwi. Animal sightings can vary depending on what they’re up to but the staff try hard to search for them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
