Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
A must visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve offers a unique opportunity to connect with New Zealand’s native flora and fauna through hands-on experiences that blend education with a fun day out.
About Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
Learn about native flora and fauna
Set within one of the largest remnants of coastal lowland swap forest on the Kāpiti Coast, wander through ancient wetlands and regenerating forest and learn about native flora and fauna.
From observing the rare brown kiwi in the nocturnal house and meeting cheeky native birds in walk-through aviaries, to feeding endangered longfin eels and spotting native geckos and ancient tuatara, Ngā Manu offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with New Zealand’s rich biodiversity in a serene, family-friendly setting.
Conservation at the heart
What started out as an idea conceived in the 1970s by Peter McKenzie as a young 21 year old zoo keeper, to create a place to preserve New Zealand's native flora and fauna, remains the same today.
Since its inception Ngā Manu has partnered with the Department of Conservation and others in many breed-for-release programmes which seek to re-establish at risk species of birds and reptiles into the wild. It also has a long history of involvement in the treatment and rehabilitation of native bird species, with the aim to release as many birds as possible back into the wild.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Wildlife Experiences
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve invites you to discover New Zealand’s unique wildlife through hands-on, immersive experiences. Embark on a Kiwi Night Encounter to observe kiwi as they explore, feed and interact with one another, or work alongside staff in a behind-the-scenes ranger experience, offering up-close encounters with kea, kākā, kereru and tuatara.