As of early 2025 Wellington Zoo has no kiwi on exhibit: Meet the animals
From the text on the zoo's website it looks like they had Northern brown kiwi, not little spotted kiwi.
New Zealand 2026
- Thread starter aramacao
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As of early 2025 Wellington Zoo has no kiwi on exhibit: Meet the animals
From the text on the zoo's website it looks like they had Northern brown kiwi, not little spotted kiwi.
Yeah agree with Chlidonias your lists are quite wrong, I'll go through Auckland just because I know the collection,
-Antipodes Parakeet has been deceased for over a year with North Island Tieke/Saddleback in the current aviary
-Herps: Archey's Frog not on display, Awakopaka Skink I don't believe they've even kept/defo not on display, all Cobble Skinks should've been translocated to release facilities down south (but even if there's still some at the zoo also defo not on display), O. newmani I don't believe is kept either/on display.
-Fairy Tern has never been on display [just chicks reared and released], and I don't remember if they still have a Dotterel or not, the latter is easy enough to see wild (eg. visit Mangere WTP, along the Ambury Foreshore pretty hard to dip), I have a lot of birder tips but no clue how interested you are on that front, eg if you have binoculars/optics or not, ...
Extra tip, quite a few of the vivariums are very lush and your chance of observing the herps are pretty luck based on experience [the Wetapunga & Pacific Gecko tank in particular I've still never seen anything in as it's basically wholly dark], the Barn Owl is only visible during keeper talks (not the free flight bird show but the one specifically focused on NZ fauna in the building next to the forest aviary).
I'm not certain on the specific status of the last remaining seal there but I will admit to my eyes it really doesn't look like a SubAnt.
Could be some inaccuracies with the fish list but not well versed enough on that to say sorry.
-Antipodes Parakeet has been deceased for over a year with North Island Tieke/Saddleback in the current aviary
-Herps: Archey's Frog not on display, Awakopaka Skink I don't believe they've even kept/defo not on display, all Cobble Skinks should've been translocated to release facilities down south (but even if there's still some at the zoo also defo not on display), O. newmani I don't believe is kept either/on display.
-Fairy Tern has never been on display [just chicks reared and released], and I don't remember if they still have a Dotterel or not, the latter is easy enough to see wild (eg. visit Mangere WTP, along the Ambury Foreshore pretty hard to dip), I have a lot of birder tips but no clue how interested you are on that front, eg if you have binoculars/optics or not, ...
Extra tip, quite a few of the vivariums are very lush and your chance of observing the herps are pretty luck based on experience [the Wetapunga & Pacific Gecko tank in particular I've still never seen anything in as it's basically wholly dark], the Barn Owl is only visible during keeper talks (not the free flight bird show but the one specifically focused on NZ fauna in the building next to the forest aviary).
I'm not certain on the specific status of the last remaining seal there but I will admit to my eyes it really doesn't look like a SubAnt.
Could be some inaccuracies with the fish list but not well versed enough on that to say sorry.
This is a rough run-through. I probably missed some stuff.
It's worth noting that of the species you've listed:
1) the tropical freshwater fish are all basic aquarium fish - you could just go to almost any pet shop and see them there.
2) species like Brolga and Barn Owl you will have certainly seen in Australia before getting to NZ (unless you're doing NZ first)
3) many of the native birds are everywhere - Pukeko, Harrier, Black and Pied Shags, etc etc - you don't need to go to a zoo to see them
Kiwi Park Queenstown
Black stilt - no longer kept there.
The latest species list is here: Visit to Kiwi Park (and possibly to elsewhere in/near Queenstown)
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
New Zealand Black Duck (Anas superciliosa superciliosa) - pure birds probably don't occur any more, the population is heavily hybridised with introduced Mallards
Orana Wildlife Park
Malherbe`s parakeet (Orange-fronted parakeet) (Cyanoramphus malherbi) - I don't think these are on display
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Great spotted kiwi (Apteryx haastii)
Okarito kiwi (Okarito brown kiwi) (Rowi) (Apteryx rowi)
Southern brown kiwi (Tokoeka) (Apteryx australis)
- the kiwi they have on display is North Island Brown Kiwi. Willowbank is part of Operation Nest Egg where wild eggs are incubated and the chicks released back to the wild, so the above species MAY be seen as chicks in their brood room, by tour, if you are there at the right time of year, but they are not "on display" in the usual sense.
National Aquarium of New Zealand
They no longer have any sharks and have announced they will not be acquiring any more.
The latest species list is here: National Aquarium (Napier) species list, August 2024 [National Aquarium of New Zealand]
Otorohanga Kiwi House
The latest species list is here (posts #11 - 13): Three Zoos in a Day (Plus Wingspan)
Hamilton Zoo
The most recent species list appears to be this one from 2021: Hamilton Zoo visit and species list, February 2021 [Hamilton Zoo]
Javan moustached parakeet (Psittacula alexandri alexandri) - these are not that subspecies, and are probably just generic admixed aviary birds
Butterfly Creek
The most recent species list is this one: Butterfly Creek walk-through / species list [Butterfly Creek]
Ti Point Reptile Park
The most recent species list is this one: Ti Point Species List+Review (30/12/21) [Reptile Park]
Auckland Zoo
Antipodes parakeet (Antipodes green parakeet) (Cyanoramphus unicolor) - no longer kept
Archey's frog (Coromandel new zealand frog) (Leiopelma archeyi) - not on display
Australian Barn Owl - only in one of the bird shows, but you'll have seen this one in Australia for certain, eg at Featherdale.
Awakopaka skink (Oligosoma awakopaka) - not on display
Brown-capped emerald dove (Pacific emerald dove) - NZ birds are probably hybrids
Cerro Azul giant tortoise (Albemarle Island giant tortoise) (Chelonoidis niger vicina (Syn.: Chelonoidis nigra microphyes) (Syn.: Chelonoidis vicina)) - the zoo has changed what they call them multiple times but they were bred in Honolulu and are probably hybrids
Cobble skink (Oligosoma aff. infrapunctatum "Cobble") - should have all been released, but were never on display anyway
Fairy tern (Sternula nereis (Syn.: Sterna nereis)) - have never been on display, the zoo just rears chicks from wild eggs for release
Fatu Hiva monarch (Pomarea whitneyi) - has never been kept in NZ - Auckland Zoo funds a conservation effort in French Polynesia for the birds, and the hand-raised chick which someone has claimed on ZTL as being at Auckland is at a facility in the islands.
New Zealand plover (Red-breasted plover) (Tuturiwhatu) (Anarhynchus obscurus (Syn.: Charadrius obscurus) (Syn.: Pluvialis obscura)) - only one bird, but I'm not sure if they still have it
North Island weka (Gallirallus australis greyi (Syn.: Gallirallus australis earli)) - not kept here
Pacific marsh-harrier (Swamp harrier) (Australasian harrier) (Circus approximans) - only in one of the bird shows
Southern speckled skink (Newman`s speckled skink) (Oligosoma newmani) - not on display
Subantarctic fur seal (Amsterdam Island Fur Seal) (Arctocephalus tropicalis) - the zoo keeps changing whether they call this animal a Subantarctic Fur Seal or a NZ Fur Seal. It looks like a NZ Fur Seal.
Wellington Zoo
Duvaucel's gecko (Northern Sticky-toed gecko) (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) - not on display
Hamilton's frog (Brown new zealand frog) (Maud Island frog) (Leiopelma hamiltoni (Syn: Leiopelma pakeka)) - no longer kept
Little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) - has never been kept here. I think the ZTL listing probably refers to an injured bird from Zealandia which was briefly at the zoo's hospital before being released.
Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) - not kept here, although can often be seen at the zoo's hospital
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
Shore dotterel (Thinornis novaeseelandiae) - not on display
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
All the birds you listed here are wild except the Takahe which are in a smaller fenced area and are fed. It's worth noting that all the native bird species at Zealandia except Kaka are also on Titiriti Matangi, and all are easier to see and photograph on that island than at Zealandia.
Thank you very much once again for your valuable advice.
I should clarify that in the case of some reserves or similar, such as Zealandia, I have added all the species that I have seen that may be there, even if they live in the wild.
I'll modify the lists with the information you have given me and with the links, which I've to study.
I should clarify that in the case of some reserves or similar, such as Zealandia, I have added all the species that I have seen that may be there, even if they live in the wild.
I'll modify the lists with the information you have given me and with the links, which I've to study.
Okay, I've been reviewing the threads you recommended so I can make the changes to my incorrect lists. I haven't removed species that you've told me are no longer listed simply because I consider there's a chance, however small, that they're off-show or that they'll be back in the future. I prefer to simply take my chances, and if they don't have them, it's fine, I just won't see them. What I have done is add species that I didn't have. According to the information you've given me, there are several centers that are clearly at risk of being removed from the final list:
- Kiwi Park Queenstown
- Orana Wildlife Park
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
- National Aquarium of New Zealand
- Tongariro National Trout Centre
- Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
- Hamilton Zoo
- Butterfly Creek
- Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café
The following places I would like to include in a definitive list, although I don't know if I could see them all in two weeks, combining them with tours to see wildlife and normal tourism:
- Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
- Otorohanga Kiwi House
- SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
- Ti Point Reptile Park
- Auckland Zoo
- Wellington Zoo
- Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
- Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
And then there are a couple of places that don't seem very interesting to me but that are close to what could be a "logical" route and that I could perhaps visit if I have time, but from what I see they could be eliminated from the list without too much trouble:
- Nga Manu Nature Reserve
- Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium
Do you think this is a good choice? Do you think I should eliminate any of the places I've indicated as sure to visit? Or do you think I should replace some of the sure sites with others I'm unsure about?
I think visiting the sure placeswill ensure I'll see most of the interesting wildlife. If we add the wildlife tours to that, I think it's pretty good. What do you think?
- Kiwi Park Queenstown
- Orana Wildlife Park
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
- National Aquarium of New Zealand
- Tongariro National Trout Centre
- Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
- Hamilton Zoo
- Butterfly Creek
- Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café
The following places I would like to include in a definitive list, although I don't know if I could see them all in two weeks, combining them with tours to see wildlife and normal tourism:
- Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
- Otorohanga Kiwi House
- SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
- Ti Point Reptile Park
- Auckland Zoo
- Wellington Zoo
- Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
- Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
And then there are a couple of places that don't seem very interesting to me but that are close to what could be a "logical" route and that I could perhaps visit if I have time, but from what I see they could be eliminated from the list without too much trouble:
- Nga Manu Nature Reserve
- Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium
Do you think this is a good choice? Do you think I should eliminate any of the places I've indicated as sure to visit? Or do you think I should replace some of the sure sites with others I'm unsure about?
I think visiting the sure placeswill ensure I'll see most of the interesting wildlife. If we add the wildlife tours to that, I think it's pretty good. What do you think?
Why is Te Anau Bird Sanctuary on your definite list? If you are in Te Anau anyway then certainly visit it, but otherwise?
In terms of general advice, two weeks is actually a really short amount of time. NZ is a big place. Ideally for two weeks I'd recommend doing either the North Island or the South Island.
However, if doing both, I'd recommend that you just keep your hire car for the whole time (rather than flying between the islands). And if it's suitable for you and your partner, I'd recommend getting something like a Spaceship so you can sleep in it which will maximise your travel times. You can hire a car in one city (eg Auckland) and drop it at another (eg Chch or Queenstown). I'd also recommend starting in Auckland and heading south, just because that seems logistically a better choice.
And I'd focus my time on the main centres (Auckland, Wellington, Chch, Dunedin) without trying to do too many side-trips which aren't along the way between the centres. As an example, visiting Otorohanga would be easily done while travelling from Auckland to Wellington, but visiting Napier would require a detour well outside that route and use up valuable time.
However, if doing both, I'd recommend that you just keep your hire car for the whole time (rather than flying between the islands). And if it's suitable for you and your partner, I'd recommend getting something like a Spaceship so you can sleep in it which will maximise your travel times. You can hire a car in one city (eg Auckland) and drop it at another (eg Chch or Queenstown). I'd also recommend starting in Auckland and heading south, just because that seems logistically a better choice.
And I'd focus my time on the main centres (Auckland, Wellington, Chch, Dunedin) without trying to do too many side-trips which aren't along the way between the centres. As an example, visiting Otorohanga would be easily done while travelling from Auckland to Wellington, but visiting Napier would require a detour well outside that route and use up valuable time.
Actually, the trip is in the initial planning phase. Initially, my plan is to fly between the two islands but rent a car on each. I've set up a rough itinerary, and I'm looking at about 30 hours of driving on the South Island and 19 on the North Island. Spread out over a week per island, that's not that much. Another option is to take a ferry from one island to the other (perhaps it'll be worth it in terms of time and money, I don't know).
I don't know the exact length of the trip either. Perhaps I could try to extend it a little, but it's also possible that I'll be forced to shorten it. I just don't know yet. Depending on that, I'll have to modify my plans.
I don't know the exact length of the trip either. Perhaps I could try to extend it a little, but it's also possible that I'll be forced to shorten it. I just don't know yet. Depending on that, I'll have to modify my plans.
As I mentioned in the similar thread about Australia, I'd like to ask you about suitable dates for this trip. Actually, I'd like to ask you what you think about the dates I'm suggesting as possible. They'd be roughly between April and June. Do you think it's a good time to visit New Zealand? What inconveniences do you think I might encounter at this time? Are there any animals I might miss due to migration or similar? Thank you!
You will most likely miss out on seeing the Long-tailed Cuckoo (Urodynamis taitensis), which breeds only in New Zealand and (as I recall) has never been recorded from mainland Australia. But even during summer, they are not easy to find anyway.
Okay, from your answer, I gather that April-June is a good time to travel to New Zealand. Excellent!
I assume I might miss some species, but if I can see most of them, and especially those I'm going on tours for, like dolphins, whales, albatrosses, penguins, etc., that's fine. I assume most "mainland" species don't move around much.
Just like I did with the Australia thread (Australia 2026), I'm reviving this thread a bit. Thanks to your comments, I've managed to narrow down my list of wildlife parks to the following:
- Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
- Otorohanga Kiwi House
- SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
- Ti Point Reptile Park
- Auckland Zoo
- Wellington Zoo
- Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
- Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
I think this list includes the most interesting places for me. I've decided to narrow it down so I can add the places you've recommended for observing wildlife (birds, seabirds, dolphins, whales, pinnipeds, etc.).
I think, based on your advice, the most reasonable option would be to travel from Sydney to Auckland, rent a car, and tour the North Island, cross the sea on a ferry, then tour the South Island, returning to Australia from Christchurch. I've found that the North Island, based on my selection of locations, can be explored relatively comfortably. However, the South Island requires many hours of driving (I'm willing to do that if it's worth the effort).
As I've said many times, this approach is still in its initial stages, but it's slowly taking shape. All your advice will be greatly appreciated, and I would greatly appreciate your help.
- Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
- Otorohanga Kiwi House
- SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
- Ti Point Reptile Park
- Auckland Zoo
- Wellington Zoo
- Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
- Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
I think this list includes the most interesting places for me. I've decided to narrow it down so I can add the places you've recommended for observing wildlife (birds, seabirds, dolphins, whales, pinnipeds, etc.).
I think, based on your advice, the most reasonable option would be to travel from Sydney to Auckland, rent a car, and tour the North Island, cross the sea on a ferry, then tour the South Island, returning to Australia from Christchurch. I've found that the North Island, based on my selection of locations, can be explored relatively comfortably. However, the South Island requires many hours of driving (I'm willing to do that if it's worth the effort).
As I've said many times, this approach is still in its initial stages, but it's slowly taking shape. All your advice will be greatly appreciated, and I would greatly appreciate your help.
I'm just starting to talk about specific plans, as I need to know the exact amount of time I'll need for this trip (flights aside). To that end, I'd like you to help me decide which tours to take in each location. I've made a list, and I'll share my observations with you to see if you agree or not. I'm sorry if I seem repetitive, but this way I'll clear up any doubts and start finalizing things.
- Dunedin. Monarch Tour. Albatross, cormorants, yellow eyed penguins. Yes, probably. Also, I would like to see the albatrosses on the Otago Peninsula (do you recommend booking a tour (The OPERA?) or visiting the Royal Albatross Centre on my own? I have seen that there are combos and it is possible to book a tour (Triple Crown Combo - Dunedin, NZ | Royal Albatross Centre) that combines a guided tour at the Albatross Centre, a wildlife cruise aboard the Monarch and The OPERA with a guided tour to see the Yellow-Eyed Penguin.
- Zealandia. Night tour. Yes, almost certainly.
- Akaroa. Black Cat Cruises. Hector's Dolphins. Yes, almost certainly.
- Kaikoura. Albatross Encounter, Kia Ora! Whales or Dolphin Encounter NZ. Dolphins. I need to choose one of these three. I think doing several would be excessive. Which one do you recommend?
- Auckland. https://whalewatchingauckland.com. Whales. Yes, but I've doubts: Is it really worth it? Won't I see the same whales and animals on the other tours?
- Picton. E-Ko Tours. King shags, Motuara Island?. Yes, almost certainly.
- Okarito. Okarito Kiwi Tours. Okarito Brown Kiwi. No, almost certainly. I think it's the one that suits me the worst because of its location.
Regarding islands, I'd like to visit three, if possible: Tiritiri Matangi, Kapiti, and Motuara. I also have some doubts about this:
Motuara Island is a recent addition to the trip, as it seems to be accessible on tours from Picton. It sounds interesting. Would you recommend it?
Tiritiri Matangi Island is a sureplace to visit, but I don't know if it's really worth a day trip or spending the night there. I understand that if I want to see spotted kiwis, I'll need to stay overnight. I've seen a small center where you can sleep; there are no hotels, and I'm honestly not up for camping. Do you recommend it? Do you recommend any guided tours or is it easy to visit independently?
Regarding Kapiti Island, I've seen that accommodation there is very, very expensive, and so are the tours. Is it really worth paying that much moneyfor a night here? Do you recommend taking a guided day tour without an overnight stay? Or do you recommend going on my own? I don't know if this last option is really possible or if you have to visit the island as part of a tour...
Finally, if I haven't forgotten anything, my intention is to try to see the Firodland penguins. I know the area they're in, but I don't know if it's possible to see them on your own. Any advice on that?
- Dunedin. Monarch Tour. Albatross, cormorants, yellow eyed penguins. Yes, probably. Also, I would like to see the albatrosses on the Otago Peninsula (do you recommend booking a tour (The OPERA?) or visiting the Royal Albatross Centre on my own? I have seen that there are combos and it is possible to book a tour (Triple Crown Combo - Dunedin, NZ | Royal Albatross Centre) that combines a guided tour at the Albatross Centre, a wildlife cruise aboard the Monarch and The OPERA with a guided tour to see the Yellow-Eyed Penguin.
- Zealandia. Night tour. Yes, almost certainly.
- Akaroa. Black Cat Cruises. Hector's Dolphins. Yes, almost certainly.
- Kaikoura. Albatross Encounter, Kia Ora! Whales or Dolphin Encounter NZ. Dolphins. I need to choose one of these three. I think doing several would be excessive. Which one do you recommend?
- Auckland. https://whalewatchingauckland.com. Whales. Yes, but I've doubts: Is it really worth it? Won't I see the same whales and animals on the other tours?
- Picton. E-Ko Tours. King shags, Motuara Island?. Yes, almost certainly.
- Okarito. Okarito Kiwi Tours. Okarito Brown Kiwi. No, almost certainly. I think it's the one that suits me the worst because of its location.
Regarding islands, I'd like to visit three, if possible: Tiritiri Matangi, Kapiti, and Motuara. I also have some doubts about this:
Motuara Island is a recent addition to the trip, as it seems to be accessible on tours from Picton. It sounds interesting. Would you recommend it?
Tiritiri Matangi Island is a sureplace to visit, but I don't know if it's really worth a day trip or spending the night there. I understand that if I want to see spotted kiwis, I'll need to stay overnight. I've seen a small center where you can sleep; there are no hotels, and I'm honestly not up for camping. Do you recommend it? Do you recommend any guided tours or is it easy to visit independently?
Regarding Kapiti Island, I've seen that accommodation there is very, very expensive, and so are the tours. Is it really worth paying that much moneyfor a night here? Do you recommend taking a guided day tour without an overnight stay? Or do you recommend going on my own? I don't know if this last option is really possible or if you have to visit the island as part of a tour...
Finally, if I haven't forgotten anything, my intention is to try to see the Firodland penguins. I know the area they're in, but I don't know if it's possible to see them on your own. Any advice on that?
That link is for a self-drive tour - I imagine you're paying more than if you just paid them individually. If you have a vehicle you can easily visit them all without a "tour".
If you don't have a vehicle I recommend Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours - the two tours you want to consider (under the "bus tours" tab) are the ones called "Peninsula Encounters standard tour" and "Peninsula Encounters + Wildlife Cruise". They are quite expensive. The second one includes the boat trip.
The albatross boat. You can also potentially see Hector's Dolphins from this trip (let the skipper know) and then you could save money by not doing the Akaroa boat. The main whales seen off Kaikoura are Sperm Whales, which can be seen lots of places in the world, whereas the seabirds can't. Dusky Dolphins can be seen from shore, especially if you spend some time watching the sea from the cliffs above the seal colony.
No, different species. The whales off Auckland are Bryde's Whales, with others like Pilot and Killer Whales being regular. Different seabirds as well, because you're at the other end of the country.
Motuara is visited as part of the E-Ko Tour trip. You can alternatively be dropped at Blumine where there are Orange-fronted Kakariki and they will pick you back up when returning from Motuara.
You don't need a tour, just go across on the boat and walk around the island. There are free (I think) guided tours there if you want it though. The accommodation is a bunk-house, you need to book it well in advance but it is worth staying there if you have the time.
There's no need to stay there. You can easily do a day-visit but the boat leaves from Paraparaumu.
Kapiti Island Nature Tours
Thank you for all the info, it's very valuable!
I've doubts about the Dunedin tours: I plan to rent a vehicle for all of New Zealand, but I understand that if I book a package tour, they'll control the timing and I can relax. Perhaps this option is more convenient, although a little more expensive... I'll weigh up the options.
Regarding the rest of your advice, I'll write them all down and follow them.
I'd like to know more about the Fiordland penguins. Can you see them independently?
I've doubts about the Dunedin tours: I plan to rent a vehicle for all of New Zealand, but I understand that if I book a package tour, they'll control the timing and I can relax. Perhaps this option is more convenient, although a little more expensive... I'll weigh up the options.
Regarding the rest of your advice, I'll write them all down and follow them.
I'd like to know more about the Fiordland penguins. Can you see them independently?
Although I don't know the exact dates yet, my trip will be between April and June, so theoretically I should be able to see them... I think another tour in that area will be necessary then...
Aren't they visible when walking around the area? Maybe I'm saying something stupid...
The best options are the Milford Sound boat cruise, and Monro Beach. Given you said you'll be in Te Anau anyway, then Milford Sound would be the easiest. But outside of the breeding season they mostly stay out at sea, not on land, so whether you can see them will depend on when you are in NZ.
Here are a couple of websites (the first one has a map of Monro Beach location):
Monro Beach Track
Fiordland crested penguin - West Coast Penguin Trust
They nest alone in burrows in dense forest, and basically just go from the sea to the forest and back. They aren't colonial bare-ground-nesting penguins.