Experiences, Tours, Prices & Online Booking
Experiences and tour details are below. Wondering what the Pūkaha experience is like? Have a look at what to expect!
Adult
$26
Self-Guided Entry
Your self-guided entry ticket is valid all day. Although a 9am start time is shown when you book online, you do not need to arrive at a specific time. Locals get half-price entry with our hapori rates.
Read more
6We hold the following daily talks, included with every entrance ticket:
- 12:00 pm Kiwi
- 1:30 pm Longfin Tuna (eel) feed and talk
- 3:00 pm Kākā feed and talk
HAPORI LOCAL RATES
Are you a local? If you live in either Tararua or Wairarapa (from Norsewood to Featherston), just bring in your proof of address to claim 50% off your entrance ticket.
PRICES
Pūkaha members – FREE
(Not a member? Join now!)
Children under 5 – FREE
Children 5-14 years – $10.00
Students – $22.00
Gold Card – $22.00
(65 and over)
Adults – $26.00
Family pass – $65.00
(Up to six people, with a maximum of two adults)
Adult
$60
1 Hour Guided Tour
A 1-hour exploration of the Pūkaha forest with one of our dedicated rangers. You will learn the untold stories behind our birds and plants with someone who knows the forest best. Includes entry to the visitor centre.
Read more
A family is up to six people, with a maximum of two adults.
Advance booking is essential, with at least 24 hours notice to allow for staffing.
Departs daily at 10:00am & 2:00pm
Adult $60
Gold card/student $50.00
Child $35.00
Family $170
Child
$60/50
Junior Rangers
Created for young nature lovers aged 6 to 12 years, Junior Rangers offers hands-on learning in the Pūkaha Reserve and is available during the NZ School Holidays. Spend the day exploring the forest, getting to know the manu (birds) and watching the tuna (long-finned eels) being fed!
Read more
Each day features a different theme or topic. Check out our Facebook page for details.
Each session is tailored to the weather conditions and offers flexibility to suit children’s interests in the Reserve.
Includes lunch (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options available).
Advance bookings essential
Runs 10am – 3pm
NZ School Holidays
Children aged 6-12 years
Children $60 (Any subsequent children from same family $50 each)
Call our team 06 375 8004 if you have a Family Membership to get your 10% discount code.
Adult
$90
Te Hīkoi o Pūkaha
Meet passionate local iwi on an in-depth walk through the ngahere. Learn the Māori world view, spirituality and connection to place. Share kai (food) with your guide and fellow guests of kawakawa tea and fried bread.
Read more
Tour is 2.5 hours and includes entry.
A family is up to six people, with a maximum of two adults.
Advance booking is essential, with at least 24 hours notice to allow for staffing.
Check bookings calendar for availability.
Adult $90
Gold card/student $75
Child $50.00
Family $260
Adult
$90
Te Hīkoi Rongoā
Embark on a captivating 1.5-hour guided tour that delves into the wisdom of Māori wellness. Join experienced local rongoā Māori practitioner, Tracey Kereopa, on a mesmerizing exploration of the healing properties of our endemic plants in the stunning Pūkaha forest.
Read more
Tracey (He uri nō Tainui waka, ko Ngāti Tiipa te hapū) shares her profound connection with rongoā Māori.
Tracey’s journey began through her deep connection to whānau and time spent with her Nana at the marae, where she discovered the uses of native plants for weaving and healing. Raised with a strong work ethic by her parents, Tracey initially explored natural remedies for animals during her time as a dairy farmer, driven by a desire for chemical-free healing.
Transitioning to a career in health, she witnessed the clinical side of Western medicine. However, her role as a mother to Tamati drew her to embrace rongoā Māori for natural well-being, balancing family and community care. Her story is a blend of cultural preservation and a practical commitment to holistic healing for her loved ones.
The tour is 1.5 hours long
Group size: 2 people minimum, 12 maximum
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Contact us for other possible service dates.
Advanced booking is essential
Cost: $90 per person
20% off Pūkaha Rongoā Toa products
Adult
$100
Night Tour
If you want to experience the real Aotearoa New Zealand, then a step into the darkness is a must. Join our skilled rangers on this one and a half hour night tour listen & search for, wētā, tuna (eels), and glow worms.
Read more
What you may see or hear during the tour varies depending on the weather, the abundance of forest food, whether it’s summer or winter, and more. As it’s wildlife, nothing is guaranteed, but the fun is in the searching!
Includes entry the day of your tour or the day following your tour.
Check booking calendar for availability.
Adult 14+ $100
This is an exclusive tour, limited to 8 participants.
Child
$45
School or Group visits
Whether it’s a classroom visit, scouts, girl guides, cubs, rangers, St Johns, home-school groups or any organisation interested in native wildlife and environment, we offer fun, educational programs.
Read more
We’re always excited about having schools, community organisations and other groups seeing the wonders of Pūkaha!
Advance bookings are essential.
Child
$45
Guided Tour with Campervan Site
6 spacious, beautifully kept powered Campervan sites, equipped with access to bathroom facilities.
Each booking includes a Guided tour of Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre. We will work with you to ensure the time of the tour suits.
This is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore New Zealand’s native wildlife during your road trip.
Check-in prior to 5pm.