Nga Manu Nature Reserve

Nga Manu Nature Reserve offers you and your visitors a unique opportunity to have a hands-on experience with nature and combines education with a great day out.

See the iconic New Zealand kiwi in the nocturnal house and meet native birds in the walk through aviaries. Feed endangered long fin eels, spot frogs and native lizards and get up close to tuatara. Explore Kapiti’s largest remaining remnant of coastal lowland swamp forest and idyllic bird sanctuary. Over 50 different bird species come and go around the wetlands, bush and surroundings.

There are over 13 hectares of unique flora and fauna to discover and many paths are wheel chair and pushchair friendly. The more adventurous can climb to the top of the lookout tower for a wonderful view of the reserve. Nga Manu is a botanist’s treasure trove with approximately 700 different species of native plants, ranging from native grasses and ferns, through to 400 year old Kahikatea trees.

Book a ‘Feed Out Tour’ at 11am and see the native birds fed by informative staff and learn about the Kereru recovery and Kiwi breeding programmes. Many birds come down to feed, providing fantastic photo opportunities and close encounters.

Find out what other native wildlife you might encounter on your visit to Nga Manu.

Nga Manu Nature Reserve provides the perfect setting for a picnic or you may wish to hire their BBQ Island for your group or function. Ice cream, snacks and drinks are available in the Nga Manu Information Centre or you may choose to head over to one of the cafes at Waikanae Beach before or after your visit.

The purpose built conservation and education centre with its deck overlooking the main pond, provides a class room away from school or makes the perfect venue for weddings, celebrations or functions and you can book Theo’s Cottage to enjoy a special overnight stay at the reserve. 

Wild Things

Discover a trail of Wild Things hidden in some of Wellington's most spectacular locations. Keep an eye out for Manu at Nga Manu Nature Reserve and take a picture with this Wild Thing for your chance to win prizes. Download the Wild Things map and start exploring!