Spring Opening Hours

Visitor Centre

Mon-Sun 9am – 5pm

Kākā Café

Mon-Sun 9:30am – 4pm

Help us protect Aotearoa's wildlife

Every visit helps us breed and release endangered native species like kiwi and kākā. Come explore the forest, meet our manu, and be part of the story.

Experiences

Walks, tours, experiences, Junior Rangers and campervan visits

Education

Daytime and overnight education programmes at our purpose-built facility, Te Whare Taiao o Manukura

Kākā Café

Watch the takahē as you feast on our amazing menu or grab a coffee

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. 

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.

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How to get here

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We’re on State Highway 2 (SH2) in the middle of the lower part of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand.

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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.

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Rangitāne o Wairarapa Pukaha National Wildlife Centre
Department of Conservation and Pukaha National Wildlife Centre
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100% pure New Zealand Pukaha National Wildlife Centre