Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour in Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand

Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour

Outty Ranking 84 4.8 · 245 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $35

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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Outty Ranking

84/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 245 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour worth booking?

Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour is a 2-hour experience in Wellington, New Zealand, from $35 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 245 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
84 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (245)
Duration
2 hours
From
$35 per person

The ultimate way to experience New Zealand's rare and amazing wildlife! Enjoy an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque eco-sanctuary on this 2-hour small group tour and witness the native wildlife that li

What you get

  • Professional Tour Guide

About this experience

The ultimate way to experience New Zealand's rare and amazing wildlife! Enjoy an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque eco-sanctuary on this 2-hour small group tour and witness the native wildlife that lives on the mainland. Soak up the beautiful scenery while learning more about New Zealand’s unique ecological history. Experience firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award. Zealandia by Day tours in Mandarin require a minimum number of four participants to operate. If the minimum number is not reached, we may have to cancel the tour.

What's included

Included

  • Professional Tour Guide

Not included

  • Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks
  • Lunch
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What you'll see and do

  1. Zealandia Te Mara a Tane

    Meet your expert guide at the Visitors Centre ticket desk. The tour will begin with an introduction in the exhibition and viewing of a short film on the big screen, which describes the significance of the sanctuary and its ground-breaking conservation work. Venture out into the sanctuary to explore along a variety of tracks and trails. Your guide will inspire you along the way with stories about the sanctuary and its wildlife, immersing you in the ground-breaking conservation work happening at Zealandia. Their expert knowledge of the sanctuary will help you make the most out of your experience with New Zealand nature. You will also have the opportunity to see a wide range of native New Zealand birds. Witness the highly intelligent kākā (bush parrot), kakariki, tūī and bellbirds at feeding stations positioned along the sanctuary’s walkways. You may also see the critically endangered takahē, the busy tīeke (saddleback), the bright hihi, tuatara, and green gecko. There will also be plenty of opportunities to take photographs of these amazing avians as well as the surrounding, picturesque landscapes.

    120 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Wellington

Turn left after the Karori Tunnel and travel along Waiapu Road. Zealandia is located at the end of Waiapu Road.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Turn left after the Karori Tunnel and travel along Waiapu Road. Zealandia is located at the end of Waiapu Road.

Options you can book

  • Zealandia by Day

  • Zealandia by Day - Mandarin

    Language: Mandarin

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
cmn, en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 12 travelers per booking
Operated by
Zealandia

Know before you go

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A maximum of 12 people per booking
  • Arrive at the Visitors Centre 15 minutes before your tour start time
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Photography allowed on this tour
  • Please enquire about service animal entry before booking.
  • Some of the tracks are wheelchair accessible, private tours are available

Photos

The interactive exhibitionKākāriki (Red-Crowned Parakeet)Small group walking tourKaka (Bush Parrot)The ancient TuataraThe rare native Hihi (Stitchbird)

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 245 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

6 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Knowledge and storytelling

4 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Value for money

2 mentions

Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

Small groups

2 mentions

The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

Traveler reviews

245 verified traveler reviews for Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
212
4 star
21
3 star
8
2 star
1
1 star
3
Sort
TROY_L · July 2026

One activity not to miss when visiting Windy Wellington.

Our guide Roy was amazing. Knowledgeable and didn’t watch the clock at all. Spend extra time trying to find animals for us to see. Very good experience. I’ll go back at the nighttime to see a different nocturnal world next time.

via Viator

harveyc_s · July 2026

Only place in the world for this experience!

Incredible learning experience that can not be had any where else in the world. Kudos to the organization for their accomplishments and continuing efforts.

via Viator

chrisr24236 · July 2026

Beautiful Place to Explore

We booked the first tour of the day and spent two hours with our guide exploring this beautiful sanctuary. Great for anyone who wants to learn about wildlife, and you're able to explore after your tour as well! It was so great to see rare wildlife and learn about the history of the area as well. We took the cable car up to Kelburn Terminal but decided to walk the 30 mins to the sanctuary, taking the free shuttle back to Kelburn Terminal after the tour.

via Tripadvisor

182suj · May 2026

Beautiful sanctuary and renewal of the natural environment and endangered species

What an Incredible experience. The tireless work that Zealanida, the amazing staff and volunteers are doing for this beautiful sanctuary is beyond words it's really extraordinary and so worth a visit. The first of its kind in the world and and book a private tour so that you get the Indepth information about it all. Johnny was such a great and enthusiastic guide. We can't wait to go back.

via Tripadvisor

Coldi4551 · May 2026

Take the tour - you won’t regret it!

Our shuttle bus driver recommended the 2 hour guided tour at Zealandia and we were so pleased we did! Our guide was knowledgeable and realistic about what we may see on the tour and even she said we exceeded expectations in hearing and viewing so many of the birds and mini ecosystems along the way. It was a very easy 2 hour walk and extremely enjoyable . Well worth the $70 which included the $31 entry fee. The tour definitely enhanced our experience!

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
2 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
All ages
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$35 to $80
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
86
Verdict
Exceptional

Why this scores 84

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
Review evidence (18% weight)86
Booking momentum (14% weight)83
Value for money (12% weight)91
Listing quality (10% weight)86
Local standing (8% weight)50
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Wellington.

How much does Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour cost?

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Prices start at $35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Wellington usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour take?

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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Wellington is not rushed.

Is Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 245 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Wellington, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour suitable for kids and families?

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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

How far in advance should I book Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour?

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Around 86 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Wellington can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Wellington and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Zealandia by Day - Small Group 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Wellington within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Wellington?

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On Outty we rank every Wellington experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour, Overnight Experience Tour on Kapiti Island, Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Wellington?

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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Wellington?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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