Nau mai ki te māra a tāne - Welcome to Zealandia

MNZ26 conference organised a private tour to Zealandia at Twilight

Twilight is a magical time in the sanctuary. Venturing into the sanctuary just before sunset and hearing the dusk chorus, as the day birds sign off and the night manu wake up, is an unforgettable experience. The last part of the tour is walked in darkness by torchlight.

Departing from Pipitea Campus at 6:30 PM on Thursday, 26 November.

Return to Pipitea Campus at 10:00 PM on Thursday, 26 November.

Duration: 2.5 hours

Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors entering Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, with the sign displaying 'Zealandia, The Karori Sanctuary Experience' and a silhouette of a kiwi bird, surrounded by lush greenery and autumn trees.
A lakeside scene with a small pavilion having a red pointed roof and white railings, reflected in calm water, surrounded by green trees and hills under a partly cloudy sky.
A colorful bird of prey with outstretched wings flying over green foliage.
Close-up of a lizard's face with rough, textured skin, dark eye, and a small patch of green grass in front, surrounded by blurred dirt and vegetation.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne isn’t just a groundbreaking conservation project. It’s a living example of what’s possible when we work with nature, not against it.

In the heart of Wellington, our 225-hectare (500+ acre) sanctuary is home to some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s rarest and most extraordinary native species. Soaring, calling, roaming and nesting, all within the protection of a world-first fully-fenced, urban ecosanctuary. For some of these species, it’s the first time they’ve been present on the mainland in over 100 years.

But Zealandia is more than a sanctuary — it’s a movement. Our 500-year vision to restore a 225-hectare valley has already reshaped Wellington’s ecological identity. We connect people with our unique natural heritage and inspire actions that transform how people live with nature in our cities, towns and beyond.

We’ve changed Wellington, we’ve influenced approaches to conservation around Aotearoa New Zealand, and now we change the world!

Register here

Wellington Attractions

Te Papa Tongarewa - Museum of New Zealand

Modern multi-story building with angular design, glass elements, flags, and a large gold emblem, likely a government or cultural center, at dusk.
Entrance to the Botanic Garden with a brick gate and black wrought iron gates on a rainy day.
A Hobbit-style round yellow door set in a wooden wall, with a winding pathway leading to it, and a large statue of a troll or ogre with an open mouth and outstretched arms nearby.
Cityscape with a harbor, surrounded by green hills, viewed from a high vantage point with lush vegetation in the foreground and a tall red carved totem pole on the left.
A person with a bike standing on a hilltop at sunset, overlooking a body of water and distant hills with rays of sunlight breaking through clouds.

Spending time at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is more than just a museum visit, it’s an immersive journey through the stories, science, and culture of Aotearoa.

From powerful exhibitions that honour Māori heritage to interactive displays that bring natural history and innovation to life, every space invites curiosity and reflection. Set in the heart of Wellington, Te Papa connects the past, present, and future in a way that feels both educational and deeply personal, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the people, landscapes, and discoveries that shape New Zealand.

Website: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/

Wellington Botanical Garden

Welcome to Wellington Botanic Garden! With 25 hectares of beautiful garden and 150 years of history, we have been recognised as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, as well as an important Heritage Area by Historic Places Trust.

The Wellington Botanic Garden is a series of curated collections designed and cared for by our on-the-ground team of dedicated staff. We have an amazing range of beautiful, botanical plant species to see from all over the world as well as collections that pay tribute to New Zealand's natural heritage.

There’s always something new in bloom!

Webiste: https://wellingtongardens.nz/

Wētā Workshop is home to an entire team of creative artisans who’ve helped bring to life films such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, King Kong, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,Avatar and many others. 

Take an exclusive glimpse through the windows of our Wellington workshop on a guided tour of our creative home.

Visit Wētā Workshop Experiences in Wellington and learn about the making of movie effects, from armour to aliens, creatures to costumes and makeup to miniatures.

Website: https://www.wetaworkshop.com/tours/wellington

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is New Zealand’s oldest zoo and home to more than 500 native and exotic animals from around the world. Located in Newtown, Wellington, the zoo is internationally recognised as the world’s first carboNZero-certified zoo, reflecting its strong commitment to conservation and sustainability. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (except Christmas Day), the zoo offers visitors engaging wildlife experiences, educational keeper talks, close animal encounters, and dedicated exhibits celebrating New Zealand’s unique native species.

Website: https://www.wellingtonzoo.com/

Mount Victoria Lookout

Weta Cave

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

Entrance of Wellington Zoo with large posters of a tiger and a Coquerel's sifaka lemur.

Mākara Peak MTB Park

Mount Victoria Lookout and the Wellington Waterfront are two of Wellington’s most iconic destinations, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, city life, and harbour views. Mount Victoria (Matairangi) rises above the city and provides spectacular panoramic views of Wellington Harbour, the airport, and surrounding hills, making it a favourite spot for both sightseeing and sunset visits. Below, the Wellington Waterfront features a vibrant pedestrian promenade lined with public art, cafés, restaurants, cultural attractions, and recreational spaces, including the renowned Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Easily explored on foot or by bike, these connected locations showcase the energetic atmosphere and scenic charm of New Zealand’s capital city.

Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park was established by Wellington City Council in 1998 in conjunction with the Mākara Peak Supporters, encompassing Mākara Peak, which dominates the skyline at the south end of Karori.

With the largest trail network in the lower North Island, Mākara Peak has something for riders of all ages and abilities. Wide, flowing singletrack with gentle gradients are perfect for beginners, children and families. Plus, some steep, narrow and gnarly trails that can challenge even the experts.

Webiste: https://makarapeak.bike/