What should I do if I find an ill or injured wild bird?

Unfortunately, we do not have animal hospital facilities and cannot accept drop-offs.

If you find an ill or injured wild bird, pick it up (use a towel to avoid damaging feathers), put it in a box lined with a towel, and place it somewhere quiet and dark. Sugar water can often provide good sustenance.

If it is a duckling, make sure the duckling is safe from predators but the best chance for survival is if the parents are still caring for it. See if you can leave it in a safe place for the parents to provide care. They may be around getting food and still caring for it.

If you are unsure what species you are dealing with, try the online NZ Birds identification tool at http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz. If you are still unable to identify whether the species is native or non-native (baby birds are especially difficult), contact either Doc, The Nest at Wellington Zoo, Massey’s Wildbase Hospital or the SPCA for advice on what to do next.

Note Any veterinary clinic has an obligation to receive ill and injured wild animals (at no cost to you), so you can simply take any bird to your local vet clinic (native or non-native).

You can call/visit a vet for advice. We recommend Animates Vetcare Waikanae 04-2934504 or Animates Vetcare Paraparaumu 04-2986062.

For native species

The Department of Conservation has overarching responsibility for dealing with injured native animals throughout New Zealand. You can call the DOC hotline for further information on what steps to take.

DOC Hotline 0800 362 468

In the Manawatū, Wildbase Hospital will take in all native species for triage and medical care.  There is no fee for this service.  Individuals who are successfully treated and deemed likely candidates for re-release back to the wild will be transferred to Wildbase Recovery for rehabilitation.

Wildbase Hospital, Massey University 06 350 5329

For sick native and endemics you can also try The Nest at Wellington Zoo.

The Nest at Wellington Zoo on 04-3816755

For non-native species

The SPCA has responsibility for accepting non-native species.

SPCA Wellington on 04-2898044

SPCA Palmerston North 06 357 2516

Do you have parking for visitors?

Yes. We offer free parking in our car park at Nga Manu. Coaches are also welcome to park in the car park which is free for groups when they are visiting.

Can we use public transport to get to Nga Manu?

Nga Manu Nature Reserve is approximately 5km from Waikanae Train Station. It takes 8 minutes by car and 55 mins by foot. The nearest bus stop is at Waikanae Park and is about a 8 min walk away on David Street (Near 4) which connects to the 280/281 bus and costs about $1.50. From there it is a 30-40 minute walk to Nga Manu Nature Reserve.

Taxi’s are readily available and we recommend Paraparaumu Taxis on 04-2961111. Uber also works in Waikanae although there can be significant wait times and the recommendation is to pre-arrange your transportation before your visit.

Do you have a café?

We have a small kiosk which offers ice creams, cold and hot drinks, and a small amount of snack food. We allow you to bring your own picnics and morning tea and lunch, and we provide a serene picnic area and a BBQ for hire. We have a free filtered water tap for filling up water bottle.

Do you have toilets?

Toilets are available in the Visitor Centre and outside in the Reserve toilet block near Theo’s Cottage.

How long would I spend at Nga Manu?

To explore Nga Manu allow at least 1.5 – 2 hours. There is plenty to see and do with the forest walk and walk-through wildlife enclosures. It is easy to spend even longer than this with picnic facilities and daily tours also available.

How Accessible is Nga Manu?

We pride ourselves on being accessible and provide mobility aids free to use. We have easy gravelled wide pathways, and our boardwalks are wheelchair and pram friendly.

Do you offer discounts for SuperGold card holders?

Yes, there is a discounted price of $12 for a SuperGold card holder (usually $15)

Are dogs allowed at Nga Manu?

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed at Nga Manu unless they are service dogs. Identification must be provided.

What are your current COVID guidelines?

Nga Manu follows the government recommended precautions published online at covid19.govt.nz. We have implemented increased hygiene measures across our nature reserve and have increased disinfecting of high-touch points. Please note when you are visiting, you accept that even though we have taken appropriate precautions, you are still at risk of getting COVID-19. Please feel free to familiarize yourself with government guidelines about protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 and follow them. See covid19.govt.nz.