Ngā Manu Nature Reserve

Ngā Manu Nature Reserve NZ bird & reptile reserve and native forest. Wildlife tours available, enjoy a close kiwi experience. The animal life is a mix of both wild and enclosed species.
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At Ngā Manu Nature Reserve a world of natural treasures is revealed. Our 14 hectare reserve preserves one of the largest remnants of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kapiti Coast and provides a haven for New Zealand’s native birds and wildlife. As a not-for-profit, your visit supports our wildlife and conservation programmes - thank you! Our kaupapa is rooted in the Trust’s goals to preserve an

d enhance native forests so that their inhabitants can flourish. Since inception Ngā Manu has partnered with DOC and others in many breed-for-release programmes which seek to re-establish at risk species of birds and reptiles into the wild. In addition to these programmes Nga Manu has a long history of involvement in the treatment and rehabilitation of native bird species which are brought to us by the local community. Get up close to the iconic kiwi in our nocturnal house and discover New Zealand’s unique prehistoric reptile- the tuatara. Meet the friendly kea, tui, fantail, kereru and kaka. Over 56 different bird species have been spotted over the years coming and going around the wetlands, bush and surroundings - every visit to Ngā Manu is different! All pathways are easily walked, there's seating and picnic spots throughout the Reserve and a barbeque for hire. All facilities are designed for wheelchair and
pushchair access and family enjoyment is well catered for. Take part in our Eel Feeding at 2pm daily. On summer weekends and public holidays you can go on a guided tour of the forest at 2:15pm. Call us to book onto a Native Birds Close Encounter, Native Icons Tour, Ranger Experience or Kiwi Night Encounter to get up close and personal with our wildlife. Enjoy the magic of the Reserve all to yourself - Book an overnight stay in our Theo's Cottage. Priced from $160 per night for 2 people (sleeps up to 4). Robin's Nest is the perfect venue for your meeting, event, celebration or wedding with bi-folding doors onto a large deck and lawn area with views over the main pond. It accommodates up to 90 people - call us now to discuss your event. For more information and pricing, please visit our website:
http://www.ngamanu.org.nz/

If you’re looking for something genuinely magical this September, go and see Flutter by the phenomenal String Bean Puppe...
18/08/2026

If you’re looking for something genuinely magical this September, go and see Flutter by the phenomenal String Bean Puppets. 🦋✨ Live music, puppetry and storytelling come together in what promises to be a beautiful experience. We’re lucky to call this incredibly talented puppeteer a friend, so we couldn’t recommend it more highly!

tickets: https://bats.co.nz/whats-on/flutter/

TAHI Festival BATS Theatre

07/08/2026

🦎 New Volunteer. Xero Experience. Maximum Enthusiasm.

He was out for a routine health check... but quickly found himself chasing flies across our computer screen before helping the team tackle the monthly financial reconciliations. 📊

Safe to say he's a much better gecko than accountant. 💚

Our native reptiles receive regular health checks to keep them happy and healthy—and sometimes they provide a little office entertainment too!

21/07/2026

🎉 IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!! 🎉

Apparently, I'm two today. I don't know what all the fuss is about... but I do know there were presents, party food and lots of attention, so I'm not complaining.

Thanks to everyone who helped make my day special! 💚

If you'd like to wish me a Happy Birthday, leave me a comment below. That would really make my day!

– Mahira 🦜

04/07/2026

🐦 Native Bird Close Encounter Special! 🐦

For a limited time, locals can enjoy 30% off the Native Bird Close Encounter at Ngā Manu.

Meet some of Aotearoa’s most treasured native birds up close and learn about their stories, behaviours and conservation.

✨ Interactive and engaging
🌿 Perfect for curious tamariki (7+)
💛 A rare chance to connect with our native taonga

Book now: https://ngamanu.org.nz/pages/bookings. Enter LOCAL30 discount code in your booking. Offer exclusively for residents of Greater Wellington and Horowhenua, 4 - 19 July 2026.

03/07/2026

🌙 Local school holiday special at Ngā Manu 🌙

To celebrate Matariki and the school holidays, we’re offering something special for our local community.

Enjoy 30% off two of our most loved experiences:

🦉 Kiwi Night Encounter
🐦 Native Bird Close Encounter

Available exclusively to residents of the Greater Wellington Region & Horowhenua, 4 - 19 July 2026.

Perfect for tamariki aged 7+ and a truly unforgettable experience.

Book now: https://ngamanu.org.nz/pages/bookings. Enter LOCAL30 discount code in your booking.

🎭 A magical Matariki finale 🎭Sunday 12 July | 11am | Ngā Manu Nature ReserveWe’re ending our Matariki weekend with story...
01/07/2026

🎭 A magical Matariki finale 🎭

Sunday 12 July | 11am | Ngā Manu Nature Reserve

We’re ending our Matariki weekend with storytelling, laughter, and imagination.

🌊 The Penguin & the Sea Monster Puppet Show
Presented by String Bean Puppets

A charming live puppet performance for the whole whānau — perfect for sparking wonder and creativity.

Just $7 per child | Adults free
Plus half-price family entry to explore the Reserve afterwards.

Book now: https://ngamanu.org.nz/pages/events/matariki

🎬 Matariki Movie Morning! 🎬Saturday 11 July | 11am | Ngā Manu Nature ReserveSnuggle in for a cosy screening of Kiwi & Ca...
30/06/2026

🎬 Matariki Movie Morning! 🎬

Saturday 11 July | 11am | Ngā Manu Nature Reserve

Snuggle in for a cosy screening of Kiwi & Cat Mānawatia a Matariki — 10 episodes of this iconic duo, perfect for tamariki.

🍿 Hot chocolate + popcorn included
🌙 A relaxed, fun indoor break during the school holidays
🐦 A little bit of nostalgia, a lot of laughs

Just $7 per child | Adults free

Stay afterwards and enjoy the Reserve with half-price family entry.

Book now: https://ngamanu.org.nz/pages/events/matariki

🌱 Get hands-on this Matariki! 🌱Friday 10 July | From 10am | Ngā Manu Nature ReserveLet tamariki get creative in nature w...
29/06/2026

🌱 Get hands-on this Matariki! 🌱

Friday 10 July | From 10am | Ngā Manu Nature Reserve

Let tamariki get creative in nature with our Matariki Nature Workshops:

🌿 Pot your own seedling
📞 Make a pūrerehua (bush telephone)
🐞 Build a bug hotel

A fun, hands-on way to connect with te taiao and celebrate the season of Matariki.

Just $7 per child | Adults free
Then stay and explore the Reserve with half-price family admission.

Book now: https://ngamanu.org.nz/pages/events/matariki

24/06/2026

✨ Matariki Weekend at Ngā Manu ✨
10–12 July | A weekend of nature, creativity, and whānau fun

Celebrate Matariki with us at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve with three special days of activities designed for tamariki and families.

From hands-on nature workshops to puppets and classic cartoons, there’s something for everyone this Matariki weekend.

🌿 Friday: Matariki Nature Workshops
🎬 Saturday: Kiwi & Cat Mānawatia a Matariki screening
🎭 Sunday: Puppet Show by String Bean Puppets

Just $7 per child | Adults free
Plus 50% off family entry to the Reserve after activities

Book now and celebrate Matariki in nature 🌙

19/06/2026

As we wrap up National Volunteer Week, it feels fitting to end by acknowledging someone whose contribution to Ngā Manu continues, more than 50 years after it first began.

David Mudge is one of Ngā Manu's founding trustees. In 1974, he helped secure and protect this precious piece of native forest, laying the foundations for what Ngā Manu has become today.

David still gives his time, knowledge and unwavering support to ensure this special place continues to thrive.

Volunteer Week is about recognising the difference volunteers make in our communities. David reminds us that volunteering isn't only about giving your time – it's about creating something that lasts long beyond yourself.

Thank you, David, for your extraordinary commitment, vision and kaitiakitanga. Ngā Manu simply wouldn't be the same without you. 💚

Address

74 Ngā Manu Reserve Road
Waikanae
5391

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+6442934131

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