Help Secure OurFuture||Native Wildlife||Conservation Work
Pūkaha is experiencing serious financial distress.
We have not given up hope but the doors will shut soon unless immediate additional funding is forthcoming.
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.
With the kōwhai flowers starting to fade, the tūī are fiercely defending their patches from any unwelcome visitors who may also want to eat the flowers! This kererū stayed standing tall throughout the tūī`s attempt to chase him off.
As you enter the carpark, keep an eye on the centre islands kōwhai trees for any antics from the birds. Your wildlife adventures begin here!
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#tui #kereru #pukaha #conservation #nzbirds #nzwild #wildlifephotography #wildplanet #nature #wairarapa #tararua #bird #birdphotography
A quick update on our little pāteke ducklings.
Remember how tiny they were swimming in their brooder? They are now old enough to spend the day in the big pond.
They are growing so fast!
In the aviary next door are the first clutch of 4, almost the same size as their parents now we are just starting to see their adult feathers come through.
This weekend we are also expecting our next clutch to hatch... it`s going to be a busy season!
Brown Teal Recovery Program
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#ducklings #pateke #babybird #nzbirds #conservation #wildlife
Kākābeak is named for its beautiful red flowers, which hang in clusters of 15-20 blooms and are shaped like a kaka`s beak. The trees in our Francis Free Flight Aviary are a favourite treat of our birds. Don`t forget your camera during your next visit to make the most of these special blooms!
Learn more about the kākābeak here from the Plant Conservation Network: https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/clianthus-maximus/
In Aviary 8, keep an eye out for our super parents foraging for tasty treats such as these tarata flowers, currently raising 8 chicks for the program! Once old enough, these birds will also be released into the reserve.
Listen out for the cheeky chattering calls of the yellow crowned kākāriki during your visit! Our wild population is growing, with the first wild nest of the season located.
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 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.
