Meet rare New Zealand wildlife

Become a forest guardian

Learn about conservation in action

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Join the daily talks

TALKS AND TOURS

Rongo Te Mauri

OPEN 7 DAYS

SUMMER HOURS
9 AM – 6.00 PM

OPEN 7 DAYS

WINTER HOURS
9AM – 4:30PM

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is an unfenced sanctuary for native wildlife. Our 942-hectare forest is home to wild kōkako and kākā, while inside our aviaries we breed endangered birds for release across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Forest pathway at Pukaha National Wildlife Centre

On your visit you will learn about our conservation work and possibly see birds with their chicks in the aviaries. You may also come across wild birds in the forest such as the titipounamu (rifleman), kārearea (New Zealand falcon) and the kererū (wood pigeon). You may also see advocacy birds like Manukura the white kiwi and Kahurangi the kōkako.

Refuel in the Kākā Café with some fresh kai overlooking the takahē.
Pūkaha (at Mount Bruce) has been breeding wildlife since the early 1960s and is a partnership between Rangitāne o Wairarapa and the Department of Conservation. We are a non-profit and all proceeds go back into our conservation projects. So rongo te mauri – feel life’s essence!

Opening Hours

Open 364 days a year
(closed Christmas Day)

Summer Hours
October - April
9am - 6pm

Winter Hours
May - September
9am - 4.30pm

Kākā Café
7 days a week from 9am
Oct - Apr: closes 5pm
May - Sep: closes 4.30pm

Comprehensive prices and hours info here.

Entry Prices

Are you a local?
Ask about our Hapori rates!

Free
Pukaha members
Children under 5

$6.00
Children 5-15 years

$17.00
Students
Gold Card Holders
(65 and over)

$20.00
Adult Entry

$50.00
Family Pass
2 adults and up to 4 children
(5-15 years)

Comprehensive prices and hours info here.

Camper Vans / EVs

Overnight camper van stay
Includes guided night walk and daytime entry package.
Minimum of 10 per group, by request.
Note: Camper vans are not provided, but there are a range of camper van hire companies in New Zealand.

$95 per person

Electric Vehicles (EVs)
We are planning to have a charging point available in 2019.

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Guided Tours Daily

Get the most out of your visit by booking a tour with one of our expert rangers! Book a 1 Hour Guided Tour for a deeper insight into the forest or for something extra special try a Ranger for a Day experience for an exclusive look at our wildlife and captive breeding programmes. Take a guided Night Walk to our glow worm cave surrounded by the magical sound of wild kiwi.