Ngā Manu - A Taste of Nature for Everyone!
Discover a haven for wildlife within easy reach of Wellington – just follow the big signs on state highway 1.
At the heart of Ngā Manu Nature Reserve you’ll find a precious remnant of the Kāpiti coastal lowland forest. Take an easy stroll through this hidden gem and you’ll encounter an inspiring reminder of the ancient forest. The Lookout Tower offers a view across the forest canopy towards the Tararua Ranges.
But there’s much more to our 14 hectare site. Ngā Manu offers a mix of family friendly settings of open picnic areas, forest boardwalks and intimate grassy clearings – there are many picnic tables, shelters, and benches for resting and quiet contemplation spread throughout the Reserve.
You will find a mix of rare and endangered species in our walk-through enclosures – species such as Kiwi, Tuatara, Kaka, Kea and Whio. If you’d like a more intimate encounter with our wildlife you can book a place on our 11am Feed-Out Tour (minimum numbers required) where you can join our staff as they make their daily rounds. Or go behind-the-scenes on a Ranger for the Day Experience (runs from 9am to 3pm - bookings essential). Join us at 2 o’clock and help feed the eels and hear about their fascinating life cycle. Visiting groups can book a New Zealand Icons Package to have an encounter with a tuatara and learn about our unique endemic species.
For those who want to take in dawn and dusk in this idyllic setting we can offer accommodation in Theo’s Cottage. It is self-contained and sleeps two adults and two children comfortably. Please visit our Facebook page and TripAdvisor to read our latest reviews.
Explore Kāpiti's ancient forest remnant. Photo by Brian Carisch.
Nga Manu's bush walks and board walks are accessible to all.
2pm eel talk and feeding.
Friendly Kaka on a Feed Out Tour
A close encounter with a Kea in their walk-through enclosure
A view out over the main pond
Local
Eat and Drink
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- Belvedere Motel - Paekakariki (10.6 miles) - We are a budget motel close to the train station, the beach is a 5 minute walk also to cafes, cinema...
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See and Do
- Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Waikanae (0.0 miles) - Ngā Manu - A Taste of Nature for Everyone! Discover a haven for wildlife within easy reach of Wellin...
- El Rancho Waikanae Beach (2.1 miles) - El Rancho is the perfect place for your next escape. Located in a lush green setting of over 60 acre...
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- Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe Upper Hutt (9.3 miles) - Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe offers visitors the unique and exciting opportunity to connect wit...
Shopping
- Belvedere Motel - Paekakariki (10.6 miles) - We are a budget motel close to the train station, the beach is a 5 minute walk also to cafes, cinema...
