Zealandia by Night Tour

The Zealandia by Night Tour promises a truly captivating experience, offering visitors a rare opportunity to glimpse New Zealand’s elusive native wildlife in an immersive eco-sanctuary. Just a stone’s throw from Wellington’s city center, this 2.5-hour guided tour allows participants to search for kiwi birds and encounter a variety of unique species, all while learning about the natural history and cultural significance of the region. With an impressive 80% chance of spotting kiwis, the tour is further enriched by insights from knowledgeable guides. As the evening draws to a close, guests are treated to a warm cup of kawakawa tea, a fitting end to an unforgettable adventure. But what secrets might the sanctuary still hold?

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour guided night tour of the Zealandia eco-sanctuary, located 10 minutes from Wellington’s city center.
• Opportunity to search for kiwi birds and observe rare native wildlife like wētā, glow worms, tuatara, and takahē.
• Insights into New Zealand’s natural history and Māori cultural significance provided by knowledgeable guides.
• Tour includes exhibit entrance fee, transportation, and ends with hot kawakawa tea.
• Recommended attire is sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, with certain items prohibited for immersion and wildlife spotting.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Zealandia by Night Tour is an immersive 2.5-hour guided experience that takes visitors on a torchlit exploration of the eco-sanctuary, located just 10 minutes from Wellington’s city center.

Priced from $59.79 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to book in advance. The tour includes the exhibit entrance fee, guided night tour, and transportation. Visitors have the option to reserve now and pay later.

Plus, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available for a full refund. The night tour offers the chance to search for elusive kiwi birds and observe rare native New Zealand wildlife in their natural habitat.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can search for kiwi birds and observe rare native New Zealand animals in their natural habitat during the guided night tour by torchlight in Zealandia eco-sanctuary.

The tour offers a chance to encounter unique species like the wētā, glow worms, tuatara, and takahē. While common kiwi sightings are around 80% of the time, they’re not guaranteed.

The tour provides insights into New Zealand’s natural history and Māori cultural significance. Guests will end the experience with a hot kawakawa, or bushman’s tea, in the Visitors Centre.

This immersive night tour is an opportunity to explore Zealandia’s diverse ecosystem and learn about the country’s remarkable native flora and fauna.

Inclusions and Restrictions

The Zealandia by Night Tour includes the exhibit entrance fee, a guided night tour, and transportation, but it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Guests must be at least 12 years old, and the maximum group size is 12 people. To ensure a comfortable experience, visitors are recommended to wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, such as layers and a waterproof jacket. Certain items are not allowed, like high-heeled shoes, flash photography, umbrellas, and open-toed shoes. This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Zealandia’s natural wonders at night and witness rare native species in their natural habitat.

Inclusions	Restrictions
Exhibit entrance fee	Not suitable for mobility impaired or wheelchair users
Guided night tour	Minimum age: 12 years
Transportation	Maximum group size: 12 people
	Prohibited items: high-heels, flash photography, umbrellas, open-toed shoes

What to Bring and Not Allowed

Guests are recommended to bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, such as layers and a waterproof jacket, for the Zealandia by Night Tour.

Certain items, like high-heeled shoes, flash photography, umbrellas, and open-toed shoes, aren’t allowed during the tour. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, as well as to minimize any disturbance to the delicate natural environment.

The tour focuses on observing the native wildlife in its natural habitat, so guests are encouraged to dress appropriately and be prepared for various weather conditions.

By following these guidelines, visitors can fully enjoy the unique experience of Zealandia by Night and maximize their chances of spotting the elusive kiwi and other fascinating species.

• Comfortable shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproof jacket)

• No high-heeled shoes

• No flash photography, umbrellas, or open-toed shoes

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overall, reviewers have awarded the Zealandia by Night Tour an impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating based on 39 reviews, highlighting the tour’s exceptional quality.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who provide valuable insights into New Zealand’s natural history and Māori cultural significance.

The tour’s value for money also receives high marks, with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Customers are generally satisfied with the tour’s organization and the overall service, rating these aspects 4.6 and 4.7 out of 5, respectively.

While some visitors note occasional difficulties in spotting kiwi birds, the majority express delight at the opportunity to observe other unique native species in their natural habitat under the cover of night.

Kiwi Sightings and Rare Species

While common kiwi sightings occur around 80% of the time during the Zealandia by Night Tour, their elusive nature means their appearance isn’t guaranteed.

Visitors can, however, expect to encounter a range of other unique New Zealand species, including the wētā, glow worms, tuatara, and takahē, each offering a captivating glimpse into the country’s remarkable biodiversity.

These rare species are the true stars of the tour, allowing visitors to observe them in their natural habitat under the cover of darkness.

The tour guide’s expertise ensures an immersive and informative experience, shedding light on the cultural significance and conservation efforts surrounding these iconic New Zealand animals.

• wētā – a flightless parrot

• Glow worms – bioluminescent insects

• Tuatara – a reptile species dating back to the dinosaur era

• Takahē – a critically endangered bird species

Natural History and Maori Significance

The Zealandia by Night Tour not only offers a unique glimpse into New Zealand’s remarkable biodiversity, but also delves into the rich natural history and cultural significance of the region from a Māori perspective.

The guide shares insights on how this eco-sanctuary serves as a living museum, showcasing the country’s evolutionary journey and the deep-rooted connection between the land, its indigenous people, and the native flora and fauna.

Visitors learn about the importance of endemic species like the tuatara, a living fossil that holds immense cultural value for the Māori.

The tour also explores the significance of the sanctuary’s name, Zealandia, and how it reflects the region’s ancient geological history and its significance in Māori mythology.

Transportation and Cancellation Policy

The Zealandia by Night Tour includes transportation from the Wellington CBD to the eco-sanctuary, making it convenient for visitors.

Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in planning their trip. This gives travelers the peace of mind to book their tour without worrying about unexpected schedule changes.

The tour also offers several attractive features:

• A ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option allows customers to secure their spot without paying upfront.

• The tour duration is approximately 2.5 hours, ensuring an immersive nighttime experience.

• Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a more personalized and intimate tour.

• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for hassle-free changes to travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Walk Through the Entire Sanctuary?

The entire Zealandia eco-sanctuary covers over 225 hectares, so it would take several hours to walk through the whole area. The Zealandia by Night Tour, however, is a 2.5-hour guided experience focused on exploring the sanctuary’s unique nocturnal wildlife.

Are There Any Refreshments or Food Available During the Tour?

The tour includes hot kawakawa (bushman’s tea) served at the Visitors Centre after the guided night walk. No other refreshments or food are provided during the tour itself, though visitors can bring their own snacks.

Can I Bring My Own Flashlight or Headlamp on the Tour?

Guests are allowed to bring their own flashlights or headlamps on the tour. However, the tour operators recommend using the provided torchlight to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. Flashlights with bright beams are generally not permitted.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children Under 12 Years Old?

The Zealandia by Night Tour is not suitable for young children under 12 years old. The tour requires a minimum age of 12 and is not recommended for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

How Often Do the Tour Guides Change or Rotate During the Tour?

Tour guides typically remain the same throughout the tour, providing a consistent experience. However, in some cases, guides may rotate or be substituted due to scheduling or operational requirements. The frequency of guide changes can vary between tour companies and specific tours.

Recap

The Zealandia by Night Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in New Zealand’s remarkable natural wonders.

With an impressive 80% chance of spotting elusive kiwis, guests can explore the eco-sanctuary’s diverse wildlife and learn about its cultural significance.

The tour’s inclusion of a warm cup of kawakawa tea at the end provides a fitting conclusion to this unforgettable evening experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: