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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Zealandia Summary
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| Public website: | www.visitzealandia.com |
New Zealand – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I
Type I:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) £1 ≈ NZ$2.34 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted across New Zealand, and credit cards are commonly used, especially in urban areas and tourist spots.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not expected in New Zealand, though it is appreciated for exceptional service. 5-10% in restaurants and small tips for taxi and hotel staff are common. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in some designated areas but may be restricted in others. Consumption of alcohol in public places may require a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in many public areas, especially indoor spaces and public transport. |
| Waitangi Day (6 February) |
A national holiday celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi |
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| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 111 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Ola |
| Other: | New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, from beaches and mountains to national parks and cultural experiences. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Zealandia, New Zealand
Open daily except Christmas Day, with night tours for kiwi spotting year-round, booking ahead is advised
Don't miss
- 🦜 Spot rare native birds like kākā and takahē on guided tours
- 🌲 Explore scenic forest trails with expert wildlife guides
- 🌌 Join night tours to see kiwi and glow worms by torchlight
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Zealandia is the world's first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary, spanning 225 hectares and protected by an 8.6-kilometer pest-exclusion fence. This innovative conservation project aims to restore the local ecosystem to its state before human arrival, allowing native birds, reptiles and plants to flourish free from introduced predators.
The sanctuary is home to some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary wildlife species including the elusive kiwi, flightless takahe and ancient tuatara reptiles. Visitors can explore over 32 kilometers of walking trails through regenerating native forest and wetlands, witnessing firsthand nature’s regeneration.
Zealandia offers multiple guided tours, including nighttime outings to spot nocturnal species and learn about conservation efforts. The visitor center and shop provide educational resources and souvenirs to enhance the experience.
Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain and variable weather. All guests must adhere to strict biosecurity protocols to protect the sanctuary’s fragile ecosystem, including clothing and bag checks on entry. While the sanctuary offers an incredible natural escape, it’s best to plan ample time to fully enjoy the diverse wildlife and lush surroundings.
Knowledge before you go
- Book a night tour; nocturnal wildlife sightings are better.
- Stay on marked trails and carry a light rain jacket; Wellington weather changes fast.
- Bring binoculars for native birds; you may spot kākā, tūī and kererū.
- Learn the predator-proof fence story first; it explains why rare species thrive so close to downtown.
How to travel to Zealandia
Zealandia is located in the suburb of Karori, Wellington. Visitors typically arrive via Wellington International Airport with connections from major international hubs. From central Wellington, public shuttle buses run regularly to Zealandia from the i-SITE Visitor Centre and the top of the Cable Car. Alternatively, taxis and private cars provide convenient access along Waiapu Road.
Access summary
- From Wellington Airport: Taxi or shuttle via city centre, around 25–35 minutes.
- From central Wellington: Free Zealandia shuttle or bus 2, about 10–15 minutes.
- From Auckland: Flight to Wellington (~1 hour), then shuttle/taxi or bus to sanctuary.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Zealandia
Wellington provides a variety of accommodations from comfortable hotels to boutique stays, mostly concentrated in the city center. Staying in central Wellington offers easy access to Zealandia via shuttle or taxi.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Zealandia
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
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Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
👀
Binoculars
🪰
Insect repellent
🔋
Power bank
👕
Neutral-coloured clothing
👒
Sun hat
👚
Long-sleeved shirt
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🔎
Zoom lens
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 9% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to NZD) is 15% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Wellington’s Zealandia wildlife sanctuary is exceptionally safe for visitors. The area is well‑patrolled, with minimal crime and no known violent incidents. Standard precautions – stay on marked paths, keep valuables secure and follow staff instructions – ensure a worry‑free experience.
Accessibility
Wellington’s Zealandia wildlife sanctuary offers excellent accessibility: wide, paved paths, wheelchair‑friendly viewing platforms and clear signage. However, some remote trails are steep and uneven, so visitors with mobility aids should plan ahead or use guided tours for full enjoyment.
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