Ōtorohanga Kiwi House

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Dedicated to conservation & breeding of NZ wildlife, especially kiwi.
(810)

A great place to connect with New Zealand's native wildife, especially kiwi ( kiwi are always on display in our Nocturnal Houses). We were the first Kiwi House in NZ to display & breed kiwi for release back back into the wild. Not-for-profit organisation at the heart of NZ conservation since 1971.Large collection of native birds, plus reptiles (Tuatara and geckos).

Celebrate Father’s Day with a family day out at Ōtorohanga Kiwi House.This Sunday only, our family pass is half price—ju...
03/09/2026

Celebrate Father’s Day with a family day out at Ōtorohanga Kiwi House.

This Sunday only, our family pass is half price—just $37.50 for 2 adults and up to 3 children.

Simply show this post to our team at reception to receive the discount.

Valid Sunday 6 September 2026 only. One discounted family pass per group. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Members and supporters of the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Charitable Trust are warmly invited to our 2026 Annual General Meeti...
25/08/2026

Members and supporters of the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Charitable Trust are warmly invited to our 2026 Annual General Meeting.

Thursday 10 September
6:00pm
Tuatara Room, Ōtorohanga Kiwi House

The evening will feature special guests from our Kiwi House keeper team, along with some of our incredible Mahoenui giant wētā.

Please RSVP to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

We would love to see you there!

Mānawatia a Matariki Matariki is a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect. It's an opportunity to remember those who have...
09/07/2026

Mānawatia a Matariki

Matariki is a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect. It's an opportunity to remember those who have come before us, celebrate the present, and look ahead with hope for the future.

It's also a reminder to take care of our wellbeing, spend time with the people who matter most, and find a moment to appreciate the natural world around us.

From all of us at the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House, we wish you and your whānau a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Matariki.

School Holiday Colouring Competition! Calling all young artists! We're running a school holiday coloring competition and...
09/07/2026

School Holiday Colouring Competition!

Calling all young artists!

We're running a school holiday coloring competition and we've got 3 awesome prize packs up for grabs! 🎉

Simply pick up a colouring sheet from the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House or print one yourself, let your creativity shine, and return your masterpiece by Sunday 19 July 2026.

Each prize pack is full of Kiwi-themed goodies, including colouring books, stationery, a kiwi pencil case, a kiwi inflatable, souvenirs, and even a Kiwi House Family Pass!

🏆 Winners will be announced on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

There are three age categories:
👶 Under 5 years
🧒 5–10 years
🧑 11–15 years

Head into the Kiwi House to collect your colouring sheet and get creative this school holidays. We can't wait to see all your amazing entries!

22/06/2026

Recently, we had the privilege of returning a rehabilitated wild kākā to its home in Pureora Forest.

After spending time in our care, it was time to say goodbye. We carefully transferred him from his enclosure, met up with DOC staff in Pureora, and watched as he took off back into the forest where he belongs.

Moments like these are always special. While it's hard to say goodbye, there's nothing better than seeing a native bird return to the wild.

This kaupapa was made possible through the contributions of DOC Maniapoto and Te Hau Kāinga o Pureora. We also acknowledge Maraeroa A & B and Te Whare ki Rereahu o Te Nehenehenui for their kaitiakitanga of the area and their support in helping ensure Āwhiowhio remains safe in his forest home.

Thank you to everyone involved in giving this remarkable bird a second chance.

We're hiring!Wildlife Husbandry KeeperŌtorohanga Kiwi House is seeking an experienced Wildlife Husbandry Keeper to join ...
03/06/2026

We're hiring!

Wildlife Husbandry Keeper

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House is seeking an experienced Wildlife Husbandry Keeper to join our wildlife team.

This hands-on role involves caring for a diverse collection of native New Zealand wildlife, including kiwi, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Working within a small team, you will help deliver high standards of animal welfare, husbandry and habitat presentation.

Key Duties

Daily feeding, cleaning and animal care
Habitat and enclosure maintenance
Monitoring animal health and behaviour
Record keeping, including ZIMS
Following animal handling, biosecurity and H&S procedures
Supporting trainee keepers as required

About You

Minimum 2 years' experience in wildlife, zoo or captive animal care
Able to work independently and manage workloads efficiently
Strong observation skills and attention to detail
Reliable, practical and physically fit
Positive team contributor

Desirable

Experience with kiwi or native NZ wildlife
Kiwi handling accreditation/certification
Experience using ZIMS

Employment Details

Permanent full-time (40 hours/week)
Wednesday–Sunday roster
Early starts, weekends and public holidays required
Salary based on skills and experience
Permanent part-time (Friday–Sunday) may be considered for the right candidate

Requirements

Relevant qualification or equivalent practical experience
Ability to perform manual handling and outdoor work
Commitment to animal welfare and conservation
NZ residency, citizenship or valid work visa

What We Offer

Work closely with native wildlife every day
Opportunities to develop husbandry and conservation skills
Supportive team environment
Ongoing training and development

How to Apply
Email [email protected] to request the full Job Description and application questions.

Celebrate King’s Birthday Weekend with us from 29 May to 1 June.Kids go free with every paying adult for a limited time ...
26/05/2026

Celebrate King’s Birthday Weekend with us from 29 May to 1 June.

Kids go free with every paying adult for a limited time only.

Bring the family along for an unforgettable kiwi experience this long weekend. Book now and make the most of the holiday.

15/05/2026

When the water goes down the wrong pipe… even for a kiwi.

If you’re only just finding out this is how kiwi drink water, no, they don’t use their beak like one giant straw… we are just as disappointed as you are.

Kiwi drink by immersing their long beaks into water and tilting their heads back to swallow, much like other birds. However, kiwi can get most of their moisture from their diet, with foods such as earthworms containing up to 85% water.

But every now and then, even a kiwi needs a quick sip of water.

Unfortunately for this little guy, that technique isn’t always foolproof.

Happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough.His storytelling has helped people see wildlife not just as animals but a...
07/05/2026

Happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough.

His storytelling has helped people see wildlife not just as animals but as part of a living, connected world worth protecting.

For many future conservationists, their journey started sitting in front of a TV hearing:
“And here we see…”

A voice many of us will hear long into the future.

Hari huritau Sir David Attenborough. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe for inspiring generations to fall in love with te taiao and protect the incredible wildlife we share this world with.

Tēnā rawa atu koe mō tō mahi whakamīharo mō te ao tūroa.
Thank you deeply for your incredible work for the natural world.

06/05/2026

That escalated… and de-escalated

In the kiwi world, not every disagreement lasts long… some barely get started 😅

Address

20 Alex Telfer Drive
Otorohanga
3900

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+6478737391

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