New Zealand Zoos and Wildlife Parks

New Zealand's most famous bird and national symbol is the kiwi, a nocturnal flightless bird which is now endangeredand difficult to see in the wild. However, there are a number of 'kiwi houses' at zoos and wildlife parks in New Zealand.

The nocturnal kiwi has been described as the most 'unbirdlike' bird in the world, with its nostrils at the end of its beak, loose hair-like feathers and whiskers. The kiwi is endangered following the introduction of predators such as stoats, ferrets, cats and dogs. However the Department of Conservation has a recovery programme that should see the bird numbers increase.

Other well-known New Zealand native birds include the kea (native parrot), weka (a flightless bird with a penchant for shiny objects), takahe, tui, morepork owl, and kakapo (the world's only flightless parrot).

The tuatara is a unique relic of the past - the only beak-headed reptile left in the world. Every species of this reptile family, except the tuatara, died out. This slow moving 'living fossil' rarely grows larger than a 30cm, is believed to live to over 100 years old and were once found throughout New Zealand.

Zoos and New Zealand wildlife parks guarantee close-up views of animals, birds and other wildlife, and are especially fun if you are travelling with children. Many are involved in national and international programmes to breed endangered species.

Below are some zoos and wildlife parks in New Zealand:

Hamilton Zoo has the largest walk-through aviary in the Southern Hemisphere, and provides a haven for endangered native birds in a recreated fern valley, typical of that found in New Zealand native forest.

The Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre near Masterton breeds and studies New Zealand's rare and endangered birds and other species. Visitors are able to observe the kiwi, catch a glimpse of the beautiful kokako and the takahe, a large ground-dwelling bird thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the 1950s. There is also the tuatara, a reptile closely resembling a lizard, which is a survivor from the age of dinosaurs.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a long established privately owned and operated attraction specialising in New Zealand rare, endangered and introduced animals. The reserve is also home to many New Zealand domestic animals, which visitors may handle and feed.

Orana Wildlife Park displays wildlife from around the world under almost ideal viewing conditions and runs a breeding programme for endangered species as well.

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary has spent millions to date developing 252 hectares of native forest into a predator free area complete with state of the art predator proof fencing. Native flora and fauna have been reintroduced including rare NZ flightless birds, the Weka and Kiwi. The Sanctuary is a unique protected natural area for New Zealand's endangered wildlife. Over 35 kilometres of bush tracks and paths criss-cross 252 hectares of regenerating forest.

The Royal Albatross Colony in Taiaroa Head, Dunedin, is the only mainland colony in the world. The Royal Albatross has a wingspan of three metres.

Auckland Zoo has 150 species and 500 animals. Zoo encounters presented by zoo keepers give you the opportunity to come eye to eye with some amazing creatures.

Click here to view tourism operators for wildlife parks and zoos in New Zealand.