Learn about our conservation work and possibly see birds with their chicks in the aviaries!

Duration

All day (General Admission)

About

Pukaha National Wildlife Centre is an unfenced sanctuary for native wildlife. Our 942-hectare forest is home to wild kokako and kaka, while inside our aviaries we breed endangered birds for release across Aotearoa New Zealand.

On your visit you will learn about our conservation work and possibly see birds with their chicks in the aviaries. You may also come across wild birds in the forest such as the titipounamu (rifleman), karearea (New Zealand falcon) and the kereru (wood pigeon). You may also see advocacy birds like Kahurangi the kokako. Refuel in the Kaka Café with some fresh kai overlooking the takahe.

Pukaha (at Mount Bruce) has been breeding wildlife since the early 1960s and is a partnership between Rangitane o Wairarapa and the Department of Conservation. We are a non-profit and all proceeds go back into our conservation projects.

More info

We hold the following daily talks, free with every entrance ticket: 12:00 pm Kiwi 1:30 pm Longfin Eel 3:00 pm Kaka

Note that last entry is at 5:00pm (summer) and 3:30pm (winter). Access to the loop lookout track closes at 4:00pm (summer) and 2:30pm (winter). Your self-guided entry ticket is valid all day. Although various start times are offered when you book online, you do not need to arrive at a specific time.

What to bring

Please dress to the conditions. Mt Bruce is often cooler and wetter than its neighbouring towns. We are a great all weather activity. Umbrellas are available on site.

Please bring:

• Drink bottle
• Rain jacket
• Warm jumper
• Fully enclosed shoes are recommended