GEt up close and personal with the birds of Ngā Manu
Get up close with some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most charismatic native birds in this fun, interactive experience.
The Native Bird Close Encounter is a guided walk-through tour where an experienced guide takes you through our dedicated aviary spaces, introducing you to the birds as you go. Rather than simply observing from a distance, you’ll step into their world and see their personalities come to life right in front of you.
Each bird has its own character. Our kea Mahira, for example, is famously cheeky — he’s known for trying to undo shoelaces, investigating shiny things, and sometimes even landing on a willing shoulder just to see what you’re up to. In contrast, other native species may be more curious observers, quietly watching before deciding whether to fly over.
Depending on the day, you may also encounter kākā, kākāriki, and other resident native birds, with opportunities for up-close viewing and supervised feeding where appropriate. Every encounter is different, shaped by the birds themselves and their natural behaviour.
Ngā Manu is a working conservation reserve, and this experience is designed to be both engaging and respectful, ensuring the wellbeing of the birds while giving you a rare chance to connect with their individual personalities.
