Pūkaha Whānau

Pūkaha Whānau Our Whānau page is for all the Pūkaha updates and local events! Physical address:
Mount Bruce,
85379 SH2 Masterton / Tararua

01/09/2026

Next up in our Species Spotlight series… meet one of Pūkaha’s most cheeky characters, Prince Tūī Teka!

This free-flight Tūī is certainly not afraid to make himself heard! Due to a lung condition, he can fly, but if he pushes himself too hard, he can’t quite keep up. Because of this, he was deemed unfit for release and now calls Pūkaha home.

But don’t let that fool you, this little guy has a huge personality! He is one of our most vocal residents, showing off his incredible ability to mimic sounds and even surprising visitors with a few unexpected words (yes, he’s been known to swear! 😅).

Tūī are amazing mimics, using their unique voices to communicate and interact with the world around them.

Next time you’re exploring Aviary 2 at Pūkaha, keep your ears open… you never know what this cheeky character might say!

How many kererū can you spot in this tree? Take a closer look… there are more than you might think!It’s your final remin...
28/08/2026

How many kererū can you spot in this tree?

Take a closer look… there are more than you might think!

It’s your final reminder that BioBlitz is happening this weekend! BioBlitz is a chance for you to explore Pūkaha and help us record as many different plants, birds, insects and other species as possible.

Here's how it works: download iNaturalist or eBird, head into the forest, and record the wildlife you spot along the way - like this yellow-crowned kākāriki, one of the many native species you might find.

Come along, get involved and see how many species you can find!

28/08/2026

Look at this little ball of fluff! 🥹🥝

When this video was taken, our kiwi chick was just 6 days old and already doing so well.

Something you might not know is that kiwi chicks hatch with a yolk sac, which gives them all the nutrients they need in those first few days. Because of this, they actually lose around 20–30% of their hatching weight as they use up those reserves.

Watch until the end to see just how much this little one has lost.

Pretty incredible for such a tiny chick! Baby kiwi feeding is now viewable this week and over the weekend at 12pm, so come along and see our newest Pūkaha resident for yourself.

Want to meet Pūkaha’s newest little kiwi? 🥹Our littlest kiwi is now making their debut at our 12pm Kiwi Talk, giving you...
27/08/2026

Want to meet Pūkaha’s newest little kiwi? 🥹

Our littlest kiwi is now making their debut at our 12pm Kiwi Talk, giving you the chance to see one of our newest arrivals up close and learn more about what goes into raising kiwi here at Pūkaha.

The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & Megan were lucky enough to meet our little one last week, and we think it’s safe to say they were pretty smitten!

Baby kiwi feeding is now viewable this week and over the weekend at 12pm, so come along and see our newest Pūkaha resident for yourself.

📍 Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
⏰ Kiwi Talk & baby kiwi feeding: 12pm

Join us for an evening with former All Blacks captain and 1987 Rugby World Cup winner David Kirk, as he shares stories f...
26/08/2026

Join us for an evening with former All Blacks captain and 1987 Rugby World Cup winner David Kirk, as he shares stories from his life on and off the field, leadership, rugby and everything in between.

This is a fundraising evening in support of Pūkaha, with your ticket including a welcome drink, canapés and the chance to bid on some special auction items. A cash bar will also be available.

📍 Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park, Masterton
⏰ Tue 22 Sep 2026, 5:00pm–7:00pm
🎟️ Grab your tickets, https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/champions-for-pukaha-an-evening-with-david-kirk/masterton bring your mates and join us for a great night while helping support the future of Pūkaha.

We’ll see you there!

Liam’s kiwi experience 🥝After winning our kiwi experience, Liam and his family joined us over the weekend for a very spe...
24/08/2026

Liam’s kiwi experience 🥝

After winning our kiwi experience, Liam and his family joined us over the weekend for a very special day behind the scenes at Pūkaha.

He got to see what goes into caring for our kiwi, learn more about the work we do, and even meet our kiwi chick up close!

It’s safe to say Liam absolutely loved the experience, and we loved having him and his whānau along for the day.

We hope it’s a memory they’ll all treasure for a long time!

Don't forget, $5 weekends are here! 🌿Every weekend in August, take part in our BioBlitz and enjoy Pūkaha for just $5 sel...
21/08/2026

Don't forget, $5 weekends are here! 🌿

Every weekend in August, take part in our BioBlitz and enjoy Pūkaha for just $5 self-guided entry!

Here's how it works: download iNaturalist or eBird, head into the forest, and record the wildlife you spot along the way - like this yellow-crowned kākāriki, one of the many native species you might find.

Join the BioBlitz and $5 entry is yours. It's that simple.

A great reason to visit Pūkaha this winter!

📸: Swan Photography • Wildlife & Horses of NZ

Ready to swap your workout for a mission with real impact? Love getting off the beaten track? Comfortable navigating rug...
21/08/2026

Ready to swap your workout for a mission with real impact? Love getting off the beaten track? Comfortable navigating rugged terrain?

Pūkaha is looking for fit, motivated volunteers to join our Volunteer Predator Trapping Team.

This isn't your average volunteer role. You'll be working in uneven terrain, sometimes steep, checking trap lines, carrying gear, and helping protect some of Aotearoa's most threatened native wildlife. Every trap serviced brings us one step closer to a healthier forest.

If you have backcountry skills, bushcraft experience, hunting, tramping, trail running, mountain biking, or strong navigation skills, that's a real advantage.

We're looking for people who enjoy being outdoors, are physically capable, are passionate about conservation and can commit 1-4 regular days a month to help.

Challenge yourself.
Put your outdoor skills to work.
Help create a predator-free future for our native wildlife.

Get in touch today and become part of the team protecting Pūkaha's forest and tag someone who's always looking for their next outdoor adventure. [email protected]

19/08/2026

Discover something special at the Pūkaha Gift Shop.

Browse a collection of books, handcrafted gifts, native soft toys, metal bird sculptures, and locally inspired treasures. Whether you're searching for a keepsake or the perfect gift, you'll find something to remember your visit!

Every purchase helps support our conservation efforts.

Address

85379 Statehighway 2
Masterton
5881

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+6463758004

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