Zealandia Te Mara a Tane

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is a 225-hectare valley in the Wellington suburb of Karori that has been transformed from degraded farmland into one of the most successful urban conservation projects in the world. Established in 2000, it was the first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary — a concept that has since been replicated across New Zealand and beyond.

The idea is straightforward: surround a large enough area of native bush with a fence that no predator can breach, remove every rat, stoat, possum, and cat from inside, then reintroduce species that would otherwise never survive in an urban environment. The 8.6-kilometre predator-proof fence, specially designed with a curved hood that mammals cannot climb, encloses the entire valley. Inside, native species breed freely without the pressure of introduced predators that have driven many to the brink of extinction.

What to See and Do

Walking tracks wind through the valley from the visitor centre to the lower reservoir and back, covering regenerating bush, wetlands, and open water. The main loop takes 1.5-2 hours at a relaxed pace, with shorter options available.

The species list reads like a who's-who of New Zealand conservation priorities. Little spotted kiwi — extinct on mainland New Zealand for over a century — were reintroduced in 2000 and now have a breeding population of over 200. Tuatara, the sole surviving member of an order that pre-dates the dinosaurs, roam freely. Saddleback, hihi (stitchbird), kākāriki (red-crowned parakeet), and several species of wētā have all been successfully established.

The night tour is the standout experience. After dark, guides lead small groups through the bush with red-filtered torches to spot kiwi foraging on the forest floor, tuatara on the track margins, and glowworms along stream banks. Kiwi sightings are common but not guaranteed — the birds are wild and free-ranging, not captive.

The visitor centre (the Rata Café building) has good displays explaining the sanctuary's history, the fence technology, and the species recovery programmes.

History

The valley was farmed for over a century before the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Trust (now Zealandia) secured it in the late 1990s. Construction of the predator-proof fence was completed in 1999, and the first species reintroductions began in 2000. The project has been transformative not just for the valley but for the surrounding suburbs — native birds that breed inside the fence now spill out into gardens across Wellington, changing the city's soundscape.

Getting There and Access

Zealandia is in Karori, 5km west of Wellington's CBD. Drive via Waiapu Road (free parking on-site) or take the number 2 bus from central Wellington (20-25 minutes). The main valley track is well-formed and mostly flat, though some side trails have steps and steeper grades. Wheelchair access is available on the main loop with assistance.

Visitor Tips

Book the night tour in advance — it fills quickly, especially in winter (June-August) when kiwi are most active and nights are longest. For the day visit, bring binoculars; over 40 native bird species are present and many are more easily heard than seen. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Allow 2-4 hours for a thorough daytime visit.

General admission is NZ for adults and NZ for children. Night tours are charged separately and include a guide. Open daily 9am-5pm (last entry 4pm).