ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience
Located just minutes from downtown Wellington, Zealandia is a world-first, award winning eco-attraction.
Vision
The Sanctuary’s vision is to restore its 225 hectares, as close as possible, to its original state. It is thought that it will take at least 500 years to achieve this vision.
Location
ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience is located just minutes from downtown Wellington – 2km from the Beehive.
Area
A predator-proof fence encircles 225 hectares of regenerating native forest that is free of mammalian pests. A further 27 hectares fall within the Sanctuary’s management.
Organisations involved
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Trust is an independent charitable trust. The Trust receives support from the following:
Strategic Partners: Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Wellington Tenths Trust, Victoria University of Wellington.
Major sponsors: Contact Energy, Todd Corporation, Todd Foundation, Keith Taylor Charitable Trust and Fletcher Trust.
Management history
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Trust formed - 1995
Predator-proof fence built – 1999
Eradication of up to 13 pest mammals species completed – 2000
First translocation of the following species:
North Island weka – 2000
Little spotted kiwi – 2000*
Brown teal – 2000
North Island robin – 2001
Bellbird – 2001
North Island tomtit – 2001
Whitehead – 2001
North Island saddleback – 2002*
Scaup – 2002
North Island kaka – 2002
Kereru – 2002
Stitchbird – 2005*
Tuatara – 2005*
Maud Island frog – 2005*
* Species returned to their natural environment on mainland New Zealand for the first time.
Access
Open 10am – 5pm every day except Christmas Day (last entry at 4pm).
Sanctuary by Night tours occur 30 minutes before sunset every evening.