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/

30/05/2026

👑 Make the most of the King’s Birthday long weekend with a wild day out at Ngā Manu! 🦉🌿

Some of our cheeky native birds consider themselves to be right royalty. Come on down and hang out with them - and remember, the tuna (eels) get a royal feast at 2pm!

Open 10am - 5pm daily.

28/05/2026

Recently we celebrated the incredible impact of our Share the Love campaign 💚

Thanks to the generosity of our community and the support of Sharalyn Fraser Agency, we’re proud to be gifting more than $10,000 worth of Ngā Manu admission vouchers back into the Kāpiti community.

Each of our four charity partners received vouchers to share with the whānau, children, grandparents, mentors, and individuals they support:
✨ Loss & Grief Centre
✨ Big Brothers Big Sisters Kāpiti
✨ Birthright Kāpiti
✨ Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Together, we’ve helped create more opportunities for people to experience the wellbeing benefits of nature here at Ngā Manu.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared, supported, and helped bring this campaign to life. This truly was community coming together to share the love of nature 🌿

Heard of a bird band? Less rock band, more avian. Bird bands help conservation managers to study the life cycle, habits,...
17/05/2026

Heard of a bird band? Less rock band, more avian.

Bird bands help conservation managers to study the life cycle, habits, breeding and movement of birds.

Recently, a team from DOC and our team spent the morning bird banding at Ngā Manu — carefully recording and monitoring species including tūī and greenfinches.

They compared juvenile and adult plumage and learned safe handling techniques - training the next generation of bird banders across the Lower North Island.

Thanks ! Conservation in action, one band at a time. ☺️

16/05/2026

A special moment for Ngā Manu this week!
We officially opened our new Visitor Centre mural, created by artist Theo Arraj in partnership with Kāpiti Coast Youth Council, Kāpiti Coast District Council, and with guidance from Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai.
The mural celebrates the beauty and significance of this place — honouring taonga species including tuatara and kākā.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life. We’re incredibly proud to now welcome visitors with this stunning artwork at the entrance to Ngā Manu. 💚

🎨 Artwork by Theo Arraj

Have you ever seen a Kiwi couple? Our kiwi Koro has found his soulmate - her name is Ataahua, and they're ready to meet ...
14/05/2026

Have you ever seen a Kiwi couple? Our kiwi Koro has found his soulmate - her name is Ataahua, and they're ready to meet you!

06/05/2026

Bring mum to Ngā Manu this weekend and we'll shout her free entry!

Mum deserves a relaxing day this Sunday, and where better to spend it than Ngā Manu? Come and spend some time with mum, have a peaceful walk through the ngahere (forest) and connect with nature.

Offer valid for Mother's Day only (10 May) and Mum's must be accompanied by at least one paying family member.

📍Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, Waikanae

Little Explorers, Big Adventures!Let your little explorers run free these school holidays.Discover the Lil’ Explorers Tr...
14/04/2026

Little Explorers, Big Adventures!

Let your little explorers run free these school holidays.
Discover the Lil’ Explorers Trail — a fun, self-guided adventure designed for curious young minds. They may just win an Overnight Nature Experience for 4!
Lil’ Explorers Trail is free with admission to Ngā Manu.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
Open daily 10am -5pm

09/04/2026
Easter’s over… but the adventure isn’t! 👣🌿Your little explorers still need something fun to do these school holidays.Let...
08/04/2026

Easter’s over… but the adventure isn’t! 👣🌿
Your little explorers still need something fun to do these school holidays.
Let them lead the way on Ngā Manu’s Lil’ Explorers Trail — full of surprises, discovery, and fresh-air fun for curious young minds. Plus the chance to win an Overnight Nature Experience valued at $295!

Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
Open Daily 10am – 5pm
💛 ❤️

Easter at Nga Manu is very special, it's great family fun with lots of action and activities. Open every day over Easter...
03/04/2026

Easter at Nga Manu is very special, it's great family fun with lots of action and activities. Open every day over Easter from 10am.

Kids of all ages can find a painted rock and swap it for an instant prize, and there are 12 major prizes to win each day. There's our famous sausage sizzle and ice cream by the scoop. You might even spot a giant kiwi out and about looking for some kids to play with.

Click the link for all the details. https://ngamanu.org.nz/pages/the-big-easter-weekend

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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