The BIG Easter Weekend 2026 Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
3–6 April 2026 | Open 10am–5pm Daily
Waikanae, Kāpiti Coast
Egg-scuse me!? Did someone say The BIG Easter Weekend?
Looking for things to do this Easter on the Kāpiti Coast? Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae has your long weekend sorted.
From Good Friday to Easter Monday (3–6 April 2026), the reserve transforms into four days of discovery, wildlife encounters, and egg-stra special whānau fun.
🥚 The Easter Rock Hunt
Our much-loved Easter Rock Hunt is back.
Colourful rocks and eggs will be hidden throughout the reserve for curious explorers to discover and exchange for a chocolate Easter egg.
✨ 10 major prizes every day
✨ Over $3,000 in prizes across the weekend
Will you find one?
🎨 Face Painting & Easter Hub Activities
The Easter Hub offers creative fun between adventures.
Enjoy face painting, games, wildlife encounters and hands-on activities — then head back out to explore the tracks and discover more.
🦜 Meet the Locals
Easter at Ngā Manu is about more than prizes — it’s about connecting with nature.
Meet Sylvester the cheeky kākā, watch the resident tuna (eels), and encounter native species up close in a relaxed natural setting.
🐦 Friends Get the Advantage
Friends of Ngā Manu (our members) enjoy early access from 9.30am each day of The BIG Easter Weekend — giving you a head start on finding one of the 10 major prizes.
Friends can also bring guests at half price throughout the year.
🌿 Plan Your Visit
Open daily from 10am–5pm over the Easter long weekend (3–6 April 2026).
Bring a picnic, explore at your own pace, and make a day of it.
No need to book — just come along for egg-stra special Easter fun.