Matariki Weekend
There is lots to do at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve over Matariki weekend (Friday 28 June – Sunday 30 June, 10am to 5pm).
Star Hunt Trail and Seed Bomb workshop
- Collect your Matariki Trail map and your seed bomb collection kit from our Visitor Centre when paying your Reserve entry.
- Find the 9 Matariki stars hidden around the reserve, and answer the questions.
- Collect the seeds and other ingredients at each point.
- Bring your answer sheet and collection kit back to the Visitor Centre.
- Learn how to make your seed bombs with our wonderful volunteers.
- Go into win an annual Family membership for 2 adults and up to 3 children. If you already have a Friends of Nga Manu family membership, we will extend this for a further year.
Meet a Moa
Meet our friendly Moa at Nga Manu on Friday from 11am and even have a go at feeding it.
Get your face painted
Daizy Design Face Painting are onsite Friday from 12pm – 2pm. Buy a token at our Visitor Centre.
Enjoy something to eat and a hot drink
Buy a sausage sizzle or a hot drink token from our Visitor Centre
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 $25 per child/$40 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/$60 per adult. Discover the secret lives of Kiwi at dusk, ages 7+
- Stay overnight in Theo’s Cottage with this special winter rate of $160 per night (valid until 30 Sept 2024). Stay over after your Kiwi Night Encounter and experience the reserve all to yourself after hours
- Overnight Wildlife Adventure combine a night in Theo’s Cottage with a Kiwi Night Encounter or Native Bird Close Encounter. One and two adult family packages available
