New Zealand Wildlife Park and Conservation Centre

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre Introduction

Pukaha National Wildlife Centre is New Zealand's leading breeding facility for New Zealand birds. The 942-hectare unfenced reserve in the Wairarapa district (24kms north of Masterton) gives visitors an up-close look at conservation in action as we work to preserve populations of kākā, kākāriki, whio (blue duck) and pāteke (brown teal).

Explore the native forest trails, duck beneath korimako (bellbird) in the free flight aviary and watch Manukura, our famous white kiwi, in the kiwi house and nursery. Each entry includes one of our daily talks.

Don't forget to pop into the Kākā Cafe for freshly-made lunches and sundaes overlooking endangered takahe and beside the cheeky kākā parrots!

Attractions at our Wildlife Centre

Surround yourself with the living, primeval forest of Aotearoa and take part in our daily talks included in your ticket price:

• 11:00am - Tuatara
• 12:00pm - Kiwi
• 1.30pm - Longfin eels
• 3:00pm - Kākā

Pūkaha also offers visitors the chance to peek inside a working kiwi nursery, look for creepy crawlies in our interactive rātā tree display, take part in a guided night tour to listen for wild kiwi or book a special Behind the Scenes tour to get a closer look at our wildlife and how we work. Guided tours are also available at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm if booked in advance.

Pūkaha also offers opportunities for visitors to get involved with our Sponsor a Hectare programme and half-price rates for locals.

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Our New Zealand Wildlife Park Visitor Centre

It is at our New Zealand wildlife park visitor centre that you will become knowledgeable about the history of New Zealand conservation. Displays tell the story of how a local Mount Bruce farmer changed the course of history by successfully breeding New Zealand's endangered takahe while audio-visual displays bring to life the fascinating field techniques and stories involved in the fight to save the country's threatened wildlife.

The souvenir shop offers a fabulous range of New Zealand-made gifts including kids wildlife kits, local art, New Zealand soft toys and books. Stroll from the shop to Kākā Cafe for a freshly-made lunch and rich espresso coffee (catering by prior arrangement) beside the takahā and kākā.

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