Kākā (New Zealand bush parrot) | Photo credit - Scott Langdale
#6 Be charmed by kākā
We challenge you to watch the kākā feeders at feeding time and resist grinning at the cheeky parrots’ antics. The symphony of screeches and whistles is matched by swooping and playing as the kākā compete to grab a snack. The kākā feeders can’t be missed, they also attract a range of other manu/birds like tūī and pāteke/brown teal duck, hoping to nab a few dropped crumbs.
Dragonfly | Photo credit - Rebecca Chrystal
#7 Get to know the little guys
The sanctuary is full of little critters that are often forgotten in favour of other wildlife, but these little guys play important roles in the ecosystem of a regenerating forest and wetland. For example, the abundance of dragonflies and damselflies in summer is an indicator of the improved health of the freshwater systems!
As you walk through the valley, make sure to open up the taonga towers to see who might be hiding inside. These towers allow you to get a sneak peek at the insects that often hide inside trees and other small cavities.
Lower reservoir and historic valve tower. Circa 1880s| Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, NZ.
#8 Discover the history of the valley
Prior to the arrival of humans, Aotearoa (New Zealand) was isolated and unique. Without any mammalian predators an ecosystem of remarkable flora and fauna had evolved – the likes of which could be found nowhere else in the world. Sadly, over the last 700 years, that paradise was almost destroyed by humans and the mammals they introduced with them.
The takiwā/region of Kaiwharawhara, in which Zealandia is located, has always been a special taonga for mana whenua, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika. The source of the Kaiwharawhara stream which flows out to Te Whanganui-ā-Tara/Wellington harbour can be found inside the sanctuary.
In earlier times the awa/stream was a significant source of ika/fish while the ngahere/forest with its abundant bird life and plant material served as mahinga kai/food gathering areas and rongoā tapu/areas for collecting traditional medicine. The arrival of Europeans saw the burning of the original forest and the valley turned into farmland, however part of the western slopes were too steep to farm and the forest was allowed to regenerate. This is where you might spot some more mature trees as you look across Roto Kawau/the lower reservoir.
During the mid-late 1800's the valley was mined for gold and quartz. Although blocked off now, you can still visit the entrance to Morning Star mine in the lower valley and view some historic mining equipment in the Heritage Discovery Area on the western bank above the Upper Dam.
From the late 1800's until as recently as the 1990's, the valley was zoned as a water supply catchment and zoned off to the public. Two dams were built to hold Wellington's water supply with the lower dam and valve tower completed in 1873, and the upper dam completed in 1908. Read more about the history with the display inside the valve tower, or walk across the upper dam to view how much the valley has changed since the dams were decommissioned.
#9 Munch on brunch or lunch
With views over the sanctuary, our Rātā Café the perfect spot to fuel up before, or recharge after, a day of exploring. With tasty freshly-made options for everyone, even the kids will be happy you made the stop.
Grab a snack and coffee to-go, or order from our menu and dine-in with picturesque views of the historic valve tower and lower reservoir.
#10 Stop in at the Zealandia Store
On your way out, be sure to stop in for a bit of retail therapy. Here you'll find locally designed art, jewellery, homewares, books, clothes and more! Best of all, anything you spend contributes directly to Zealandia's conservation mission!
Whether you're exploring on your own, enjoying a day tour, or you come back to adventure under the cover of darkness, you won't run out of fun things to do. To reap even more benefits and show your love for native wildlife, become a member to gain access to unlimited general admission entry for a year, plus exclusive benefits and events.