The reserve is an important educational opportunity to experience some of the wonders of New Zealand's natural environment. The reserve features a specially protected example of natural bush and wetland with ancient kahikatea, swamp maire and pukatea. The nettle garden and surrounding swan plants provide an abundance of butterflies over the summer months and Nga Manu has active breeding programmes for native mistletoe and native bird species.
Education groups are well catered for with introduction talks, lectures and guides by prior arrangement. The Conservation and Education Centre located in the reserve can be booked as a class room away from school or for lectures and presentations and has wifi and overhead projector facilities, as well as basic kitchen facilities. Specialist staff are available to talk about New Zealand flora and fauna, pests, predators, captive breeding programmes and New Zealand ecology. Nga Manu is home to the endangered long fin eel and an eel feeding and talk can be arranged at a time to suit your group.
Accommodation for school camps is available at El Rancho, Palm Grove and Forrest Lakes.
