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: From 10am with the last booking at 3pm.
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 additional at a special half price rate)
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.
- Saturday, Sunday, Public and School Holidays – An 11am encounter is scheduled these days without any need for prior booking (subject to capacity).
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
Find out about our native reptiles including tuatara, geckos and skinks; their habitat, breeding habits, where they live, and what they eat in the 30-40 minute Ranger-guided tour. Hear about Ngā Manu’s endangered species breeding programme and our impact on the recovery of these precious taonga (treasures).
Tours Tuesday – Saturday: From 10am with the last booking at 3pm. We recommend between 2 and 4pm when the reptiles are most active.
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 additional at a special half price rate)
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
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
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.
- 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
Discover the secret lives of kiwi at dusk during this 1.5 hour experience.
Thursday to Sunday at dusk
Duration: 90 minutes
Operating from: Dusk (we will let you know what time to arrive by phone or online)
Tours available: Thursday to Sunday
Capacity: 10 people per tour/encounter
Minimum age: 7 years (children under 14 will require adult accompaniment; adult booking rate applies).
Bookings: Required 24 hours in advance
Private bookings: Can be arranged by phone to accommodate large groups and children aged under 7 years (minimum booking charges apply).
Tour price: $30 child/$50 adult; $25 Friends of Nga Manu – Child/$45 Friends of Nga Manu – Adult
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.
Share the love of nature campaign
Donate a family annual membership, family day pass or wildlife experience to someone in the Community. 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.
Saturday, Sunday and all public holidays – After the 2pm Eel Feeding Talk
Other activities
Book your Corporate Event or Birthday Party at Nga Manu
Book our Robin’s Nest for your Corporate Event or Birthday Party and enjoy the easy indoor/outdoor flow and lawn area overlooking the pond. We even have special Kid’s Birthday Party Packages (see above).
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, walking frame or baby stroller.
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.
