Ngā Manu Vision and Purpose
Ngā Manu has been managed by the charitable, non-profit Ngā Manu Trust since 1974 and opened to the public in 1981.
The objectives of the trust are education, conservation and preservation of New Zealand native flora and fauna. The 14 hectare reserve
preserves one of the largest remnants of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kāpiti Coast and provides a haven for native birds.
What’s On…
Wildlife Experiences
Meet our cheeky Kākā, Kakariki, Kea and Whio. During this 30-40 minute interactive Ranger guided tour, learn all about these iconic native birds by getting up close to provide them food and enrichment.
Tours every day: At 11.00am.
Capacity: 2-10 people (phone us to ask about larger or private bookings)
Recommended age: All ages (children under 14 require adult accompaniment)
Price: $20 child; $30 adult (admission to the Reserve half price additional)
Making a booking:
- Bookings can be made online up to 5pm the day prior OR to check same day availability, please phone (04) 293 4131.
Please note: This is a public booking. Private tours or larger group bookings can be arranged by phone
Tick off three of Aotearoa’s native wildlife icons – Kiwi, Tuatara and Tuna (eels) – during this 45-60 minute guided Ranger tour
Tours Tuesday – Saturday: From 10am with the last booking at 3pm.
Capacity: 4-50 people (phone us to ask about larger or private bookings)
Recommended age: All ages (children under 14 require adult accompaniment)
Price: $45 child; $60 adult (admission to the Reserve included)
Making a booking:
- Bookings can be made online up to 5pm the day prior OR to check same day availability, please phone (04) 293 4131.
- Booking at other times can be available – please check by phone or at our counter on the day.
Please note: This is a public booking. Private tours can be arranged by phone
This is the ultimate gift for anyone who loves nature. When you go on our Ranger Experience you work alongside our staff and enjoy up-close encounters with captive species which makes working at Ngā Manu so unique. Meet our native species which include kea, kākā, kererū, kiwi, tuatara, scaup, whio, pateke and geckos. Every day presents a new wildlife challenge for the Ngā Manu crew and on the Ranger Experience you will be part of the action. A great school holiday treat.
Tours Tuesday – Saturday: From 8.30am to 12.30pm.
Capacity: 2 people per experience
Recommended age: 7+ years. If your child is under 13, please let us know via email (admin@ngamanu.org.nz) so we can tailor the experience to the age group.
Price: $75 per person (admission to the Reserve included)
Making a booking:
- Bookings can be made online up to 5pm the day prior OR to check same day availability, please phone (04) 293 4131.
Please note: This is a public booking. Private tours or larger group bookings can be arranged by phone.
Discover the secret lives of kiwi at dusk during this 1.5 hour experience.
Thursday to Sunday at dusk
Duration: 90 minutes
Tours Thursday and Sunday: Dusk (we will let you know what time to arrive by phone or email)
Capacity: 10 people per tour/encounter
Recommended age: 7 years (children under 14 will require adult accompaniment; adult booking rate applies).
Price: $30 child/$60 adult; $25 Friends of Nga Manu – Child/$55 Friends of Nga Manu – Adult
Bookings: Required 24 hours in advance
Making a booking:
- Bookings can be made online up to 5pm the day prior OR to check same day availability, please phone (04) 293 4131.
Please note: This is a public booking. Private or group bookings can be arranged by phone to accommodate large groups and children aged under 7 years on days not usually bookable. Minimum booking charges apply.
You’ll learn from an expert nature photographer who will guide you through Nga Manu’s extensive forest and introduce you to Kapiti Coast’s flora and fauna. The small group numbers will ensure an optimal learning environment and allows you to connect and have fun with like-minded people and see the best of Nga Manu Nature Reserve.
Ideal for beginners to masterclass photographers.
Duration: 3 hours
Tours Saturday and Sunday: From 8am onwards or by negotiation
Capacity: 2 people per tour/encounter
Recommended age: 12 years (children under 17 will require adult accompaniment; Reserve entry applies unless participating in tour).
Price: $99 adult; $59 child 12-17 years; $79 Friend of Nga Manu Adult; $39 Friend of Nga Manu Child
Bookings: Required 24 hours in advance
Making a booking:
- Email hello@ngamanu.org.nz to request a booking day and time
- Call 04 293 4131 to speak with one of our friendly team
What’s new
Book your children’s birthday party with us
We have a special birthday party package for your child/children. Check out this link for more information.
Free activities
Our Rangers give you an insight on the long life cycle of our native tuna (eels) and the extraordinary journey they undertake.
Monday-Friday 2pm daily (included with admission).
Saturday, Sunday and all public & school holidays 12pm and 2pm (included with admission).
Pole-feed the eels: $2.50 Purchase a token from our Visitor Centre.
Come on an exciting journey through our bush forest with our passionate guides.
Sunday – After the 12pm Eel Feeding Talk (12.15pm).
Other activities
Book your Corporate Event, Meeting, Birthday Party or Wedding at Nga Manu
Book our Robin’s Nest for your event and enjoy the easy indoor/outdoor flow and lawn area overlooking the pond. Talk to one of our friendly team about the possibilities or arrange a time to come and check out our venue.
- Email hello@ngamanu.org.nz
- Call 04 293 4131 to speak with one of our friendly team
Other Important Information
Ngā Manu is accessible to all – wheelchair and buggy friendly. Mobility aids are available from our Visitor Centre, for example you can use, for free, our mobility scooter, wheelchair, or walking frame.
No smoking or vaping is permitted anywhere onsite (including the carpark).
No dogs allowed on site (excluding service dogs).
No bikes allowed into the reserve. Bike racks are available in the carpark.
