Opening Hours
We are open every day of the year – except Christmas Day
Winter Hours
9:00am – 5:00pm
First Sunday in April – last Sunday in September
Summer Hours
9:00am – 6:00pm
During daylight savings
Last Sunday in September – first Sunday in April
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a not-for-profit charity managing an unfenced breeding sanctuary for native wildlife.
Our 942-hectare forest is home to wild birds.
Inside our aviaries we hatch kiwi, kākā and kākāriki for release across Aotearoa New Zealand.
To make a difference, we need your help.
We are located on the border of the beautiful Tararua and Wairarapa regions, on the north island of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Conservation
Campervans / EVs
Campervans
There is space to park campervans and motorhomes during the day.
Over-night sites are available, with a guided tour included in the price.
Bookings essential.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
We have two Type-2 EV trickle charging stations available. Customers will be required to provide their own type-2 charging cable.
How to get here
We’re on State Highway 2 (SH2) in the middle of the lower part of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand.
We’re 30kms north of Masterton, Wairarapa and 10km south of Eketahuna, Tararua.
It’s about 2 hours to drive north-east from Wellington, a little longer heading south-west from Napier, or an hour south from Palmerston North.
Have you noticed all the kererū around lately? This time of year at Pūkaha the skies are full with flocks of kererū coming in for the tree Lucerne. One visitor counted just over 40 in one flock flyby. Let us know how many you see during your next visit!
Pictured is our adorable couple living in the Free Flight Aviary. Both rescued and unable to be released, they have paired up and help advocate for their species by allowing visitors to watch their courtship displays and behaviour up close.
Have you noticed all the kererū around lately? This time of year at Pūkaha the skies are full with flocks of kererū coming in for the tree Lucerne. One visitor counted just over 40 in one flock flyby. Let us know how many you see during your next visit!
Pictured is our adorable couple living in the Free Flight Aviary. Both rescued and unable to be released, they have paired up and help advocate for their species by allowing visitors to watch their courtship displays and behaviour up close.
Look at the beautiful colours on this Matai tree 🩷
Have you met the miromiro yet? This striking little bird is a frequent visitor to the sunny pathways, keeping an eye out for any disturbed insects as you walk by.
The male, seen here is smartly dressed in black and white while the females are a mute brown, often not far from their mates. Their sing-song call is often what gives them away first.
Have you met the miromiro yet? This striking little bird is a frequent visitor to the sunny pathways, keeping an eye out for any disturbed insects as you walk by.
The male, seen here is smartly dressed in black and white while the females are a mute brown, often not far from their mates. Their sing-song call is often what gives them away first.
Rangers and visitors today were treated to the haunting, melodic call from this gorgeous kōkako pair down on the aviary walk. It is not often we see or hear them this close to the Visitor Centre, we hope they stay around!
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre has a wild population deep within the ngahere, with pairs sometimes encountered on the Loop Track.
Rangers and visitors today were treated to the haunting, melodic call from this gorgeous kōkako pair down on the aviary walk. It is not often we see or hear them this close to the Visitor Centre, we hope they stay around!
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre has a wild population deep within the ngahere, with pairs sometimes encountered on the Loop Track.
Mapuna and Manawa are our pair of North Island Brown Kiwi and they are just inseparable! Often found cuddled in the roostbox together with their beaks tucked up and under their warm coat of feathers.
You can see how different kiwi feathers are here compared to the usual bird feathers we see. More like fur, these dense feathers keep the kiwi warm while they explore the forest floor at night. Perfect for these winter evenings!
Mapuna and Manawa are our pair of North Island Brown Kiwi and they are just inseparable! Often found cuddled in the roostbox together with their beaks tucked up and under their warm coat of feathers.
You can see how different kiwi feathers are here compared to the usual bird feathers we see. More like fur, these dense feathers keep the kiwi warm while they explore the forest floor at night. Perfect for these winter evenings!
Funky fungi finds at Pūkaha! For lovers of all things small and colourful, our ngahere is alive with pops of colour and cool mushrooms and fungi.
The best time to visit is just after rainfall when they pop up from the damp leaf litter.
Funky fungi finds at Pūkaha! For lovers of all things small and colourful, our ngahere is alive with pops of colour and cool mushrooms and fungi.
The best time to visit is just after rainfall when they pop up from the damp leaf litter.
Seeking a part-time Kaiārahi/Visitor Centre Host!!
The successful applicant will be responsible for delivering exceptional visitor experiences alongside the current Pūkaha team. Duties are varied and interesting, including taking tours and giving talks to the public, hosting school groups and retail sales.
The role is part-time beginning with 10-15hrs per week and progressing to more hours during the summer. Successful applicants must be able to work weekends and school and public holidays.
Skills and qualities sought.
🌿Commitment to learning Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori
🌿Passion for conservation and Te Taiao
🌿Effective communicator
🌿Previous customer service experience
Full training and support provided to applicants with the right attitude, passion and willingness to learn.
Immediate start.
For more info visit https://pukaha.org.nz/vacancies/ and apply.
Contact Emily on 027 594 2928. email application to careers@pukaha.org.nz or drop in and see us.
Seeking a part-time Kaiārahi/Visitor Centre Host!!
The successful applicant will be responsible for delivering exceptional visitor experiences alongside the current Pūkaha team. Duties are varied and interesting, including taking tours and giving talks to the public, hosting school groups and retail sales.
The role is part-time beginning with 10-15hrs per week and progressing to more hours during the summer. Successful applicants must be able to work weekends and school and public holidays.
Skills and qualities sought.
🌿Commitment to learning Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori
🌿Passion for conservation and Te Taiao
🌿Effective communicator
🌿Previous customer service experience
Full training and support provided to applicants with the right attitude, passion and willingness to learn.
Immediate start.
For more info visit https://pukaha.org.nz/vacancies/ and apply.
Contact Emily on 027 594 2928. email application to careers@pukaha.org.nz or drop in and see us.
Feather Challenge!
Difficulty Level: Expert!
Do you know whose these coats of feathers belong to?
Clue: Each of these species can be found living wild in the ngahere.
Answers will be added to each image Sunday evening.
Feather Challenge!
Difficulty Level: Expert!
Do you know whose these coats of feathers belong to?
Clue: Each of these species can be found living wild in the ngahere.
Answers will be added to each image Sunday evening.
