Matariki Weekend

There is lots to do at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve these July school holidays and over Matariki weekend.

Scavenger Hunt
Find the 9 Matariki stars hidden around the reserve, answer the questions correctly and go into win 2x adult and 2xchild (ages 7-17) tickets for the Kiwi Night Encounter.

See if you can find the new species of kiwi at Ngā Manu, the Giant Kiwi

Introducing our new life-like and human-sized costume replica of the Brown Kiwi, we have aptly named the ‘Giant Kiwi’.

    • Sunday 16 July, 11am and 2.30pm -20 minute meet and greet

The Giant Kiwi appearance times are subject to change. We try our very best to maintain our planned schedule, however, we may occasionally need to make changes due to staff shortages. Please enquire about appearance times on entry.

Seed Bomb workshop
Sunday 16 July, 11am
Be prepared to get your hands dirty!

For the season of celebrating the Maori New Year, signalled by Puanga and Matariki whetu, we are offering two Seed-bomb making sessions for tamariki/rangatahi. These sessions are related to two whetu in particular, Tupuanuku and Tupuarangi, of the Matariki Constellation/Kahui Whetu. We will make acknowledgements to these whetu as part of the session.

Bring a container to take away your dirt bombs for throwing in your garden at home.  Run by EnviroSchool.

Koha entry. Admission to the reserve not included. Bookings not required.

Child-friendly wildlife experiences

Check out these child friendly wildlife experiences. There are lots of opportunities to experience the Nature Reserve behind the scenes and up close .

  • Native Bird Close Encounter $20 per child/$30 per adult.
  • Ranger Experience $75 (shadow a ranger!) Go behind the scenes of Ngā Manu with a ranger who will show you the animals up close and personal.
  • Kiwi Night Encounter $30 per Child/$50 per adult. Discover the secret lives of Kiwi at dusk, ages 7+
  • Stay overnight in Theo’s Cottage with this special winter rate of $140 per night (valid until 31 August 2023). Stay over after your Kiwi Night Encounter and experience the reserve all to yourself after hours