Education, conservation and preservation of New Zealand native wildlife, flora and fauna

Kiwi Night encounter Lil' explorers trail Stay at Theo's cottage Matariki

Ngā Manu Vision & Purpose

Since 1974, Ngā Manu has been proudly managed by the Ngā Manu Trust, a charitable non-profit dedicated to education, conservation, and the preservation of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna.

Officially opened to the public in 1981, our 14-hectare reserve is a vital sanctuary that preserves one of the largest remnants of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kāpiti Coast.

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Kaitiakitanga / Conservation

Ngā Manu is dedicated to enhancing Aotearoa’s native ecosystems, upholding high standards of animal welfare, effective pest management and sustainable ecotourism while being a leader in conservation and community collaboration.

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Kereru landing at Nga Manu Nature Reserve in Waikane

TANGATA / PEOPLE

Ngā Manu is committed to being a welcoming haven where all people can connect with nature, inspire curiosity, learn and foster a lifelong appreciation for the environment. We provide inclusive spaces, educational opportunities and respect and integrate te reo Māori and tikanga into all aspects of our work.

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The Volunteers at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in Waikane on the Kapiti Coast

Angitūtanga / Ngā Manu Flourishes

Ngā Manu is dedicated to continuing as a strong, financially and environmentally sustainable charitable trust. As we expand our reach across the Kāpiti Coast and beyond, we build community and stakeholder confidence and enjoy being recognised as a valued and impactful organisation.

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Yellow Crowned Kakariki bird at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve on the Kapiti Coast

What's on at Ngā Manu

Matariki

Friday, June 20, 2025

Join us this Matariki weekend (Friday - Sunday) as we honour the Māori New Year with a celebration of nature, reflection, and renewal. Enjoy a cosy hot chocolate and take part in family-friendly activities that connect with the themes of Matariki—remembering the past, celebrating the present, and looking to the future.

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Ngā Manu Winter Speaker Series 2025

21st May - 23rd July

Arrive at 1pm for complimentary tea and coffee; talks begin at 1:30pm

Join us for our annual Winter Speaker Series, where leading voices in conservation, science, and storytelling come together to share insights and inspire action. Proudly supported by the Royal Society Te Apārangi, this series is a highlight for nature enthusiasts across Aotearoa.

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Spend the day at Ngā Manu

The best ways to experience Ngā Manu

Kiwi Night Encounter

Your opportunity to meet a Kiwi and discover their secret lives at dusk

Native Bird Close Encounter

Meet our native Kākā, Kea, Kākāriki and Whio on this engaging tour 

Ranger Experience

Offering hands-on interaction with Kea, Kākā, Kiwi, Tuatara, and more, while working alongside our dedicated staff

Native Icons Tour 

Learn about Kiwi, Tuatara, and Tuna (eels) on this guided Ranger tour of Aotearoa’s native wildlife icons

Overnight Nature Experience

Spend a cosy night in Theo’s Cottage, experience the reserve after dark and combine it with our Kiwi Night or Native Bird Close Encounter 

Photography Tour 

Join an expert nature photographer for a unique three-hour tour of Ngā Manu’s forest, exploring Kāpiti Coast’s flora and fauna in a small group setting perfect for all skill levels. 

Educational Visits

Ngā Manu is the perfect space for students of all ages to explore the natural world, with a tailored introduction, customisable talks, and a venue for hire as a classroom space. 

Corporate Experiences 

Ngā Manu offers a unique setting and venue for corporate experiences on the Kāpiti Coast, allowing teams to enjoy immersive nature encounters and engage employees in a tranquil, impactful environment.

Let Ngā Manu be your next destination

How to support Ngā Manu

Volunteer your time

Volunteer at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve on the Kāpiti Coast and make a difference in conservation. Contribute to the preservation of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna and join us to connect with nature and impact the community positively. 

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Donate to the reserve

Support Ngā Manu Trust's local conservation efforts on the Kāpiti Coast by donating today. As a registered charity, we depend on your generosity to fund education, research, and the preservation of New Zealand's rare and endemic species. We are so grateful for your donation as it directly impacts our conservation work and helps protect native flora and fauna. 

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Sponsor Ngā Manu

Do you love the Kāpiti Coast and would like to support nature and conservation at its core? You can sponsor Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in a number of ways. We are eager to partner with local businesses and organisations to align our values and share our kaupapa. Our registered charity offers a range of sponsorship packages, and we’d love to hear your ideas for collaboration. 

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Become a friend of Ngā Manu

Find us

74 Ngā Manu Reserve Road
Waikanae
5391
New Zealand

Opening Hours:
10am - 5pm everyday
(except 25th December)


Phone:
+64(04)2934131

Stay updated with what's going on at Ngā Manu