
Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 158 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour worth booking?
Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Wellington, New Zealand, from $70 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 158 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (158)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $70 per person
Explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Enjoy a night discovering New Zealand’s evolution and natural history at Zealandia, located just minutes from central Wellington. The discovery begins with a guided tour through Zealandia: The Exhibition, a state-of-the-art indoor exhibition showcasing New Zealand’s natural history and world renowned conservation movement. As darkness falls, your guide will lead you into the Sanctuary Valley, the world’s first fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary in search for little spotted kiwi and the many other nocturnal animals that call the sanctuary home. Witness firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award. This is an unforgettable Wellington experience not to be missed!
What you get
About this experience
Explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Enjoy a night discovering New Zealand’s evolution and natural history at Zealandia, located just minutes from central Wellington. The discovery begins with a guided tour through Zealandia: The Exhibition, a state-of-the-art indoor exhibition showcasing New Zealand’s natural history and world renowned conservation movement. As darkness falls, your guide will lead you into the Sanctuary Valley, the world’s first fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary in search for little spotted kiwi and the many other nocturnal animals that call the sanctuary home. Witness firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award. This is an unforgettable Wellington experience not to be missed!
What's included
Included
- Torches/flashlights supplied
- Guided walking tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition and Sanctuary Valley
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Zealandia Te Mara a Tane
The tour begins with a short film and introduction inside the Visitor Centre's interactive exhibition. Afterwards, the guide leads the group on an exciting walk through the sanctuary in search of wildlife.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Wellington
The ZEALANDIA Visitors Centre is located at the end of Waiapu Road.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The ZEALANDIA Visitors Centre is located at the end of Waiapu Road.
Options you can book
6:30, 6:45 Mon-Sun
5:15, 5:30 Sat Sun
5:30, 5:45 Sat Sun
7:15, 7:30 Mon-Sun
6:45, 7:00 Mon-Sun
8:00, 8:15 Mon-Sun
7:00, 7:15, Mon-Sun
5:00, 5:15 Sat Sun
7:30, 7:45 Mon-Sun
7:00, 7:15 Mon-Fri Apr to Sep
4:45, 5:00 Sat Sun
4:15, 4:30 Sat, Sun
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Zealandia
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Wear sturdy footwear, bring extra layers of clothing and a waterproof jacket. Torches (flashlights) are supplied
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time
- To get to ZEALANDIA at night we recommend you book a taxi via your hotel concierge team or call Wellington Combined Taxis Ph: (04) 384 44 44
- Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility, or difficulty walking for 2 hours in low-light conditions
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 158 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
158 verified traveler reviews for Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Really cool wildlife, great tour
Really great night tour, we saw a bit of a kiwi! But they are of course very fast and hard to spot. What we did see was very bright and cool looking glow worms along the whole walk. Really amazing to see what looked like fairy lights hung up along the rock walls as we walked, but knowing that they are actually natural, alive animals! The tour guide was great, we saw 3 species of weta (freaky but interesting) many many birds including takahe, tui, and cormorants (or shags) but also my favourite animal, a flatworm.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a great review! Great luck spotting a kiwi too, even if just for a moment. Sounds like it was a magical night!
via Tripadvisor
Kiwis !!!
I am a member so I can visit anytime and walk which is always lovely - but a few nights ago did the night tour. We saw 3 kiwis which was fabulous ... one even falling off a bank right next to us - hilarious... plus an eel, gerkin slug, Maude island frog, Pateke (rare as anything duck), shags, kaka, tuatara, glow worms- was wonderful quietly walking through the bush in the dark and only 3 of us on the tour so we saw so much.. completely worth it - will do again and again to visit the kiwis.
Response from the operator: Kia ora, We are so happy you caught 'the kiwi show', as well as an eel (a rare spot in the valley!), and even one of the nocturnal frogs! We can't wait to host you again.
via Tripadvisor
Zealandia night tour
Really enjoyed this Zealandia Night Tour. Saw some kiwis, glowworms and lots of other bugs. My guide Manuela and her assistant were both great. They love their work.
via Viator
Peaceful experience
Informative fun nightlife.. peaceful in outdoor with animals great leaders Katie and Claire . passionate about their work and love of animals. Great experience would highly recommend… saw a ruru and kiwi … beautiful to be surrounded by nature animals and the moon in the sky.
via Viator
Highly recommend
Would highly recommend this tour! Saw so much fantastic wildlife and our guide Johnny was incredible and so knowledgeable.
Response from the operator: We're so happy you enjoyed the valley and, we'll pass your feedback on to Johnny!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $70 to $149
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 55
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Zealandia, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.4.
See everything Zealandia runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Wellington.
How much does Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $70 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 Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour take?
+
Plan for about 2.5 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 Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 158 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Wellington, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour?
+
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 Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour?
+
Around 55 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?
+
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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
On Outty we rank every Wellington experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Overnight Experience Tour on Kapiti Island, Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington, Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour. 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
What is included in Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour?
+
Included: Torches/flashlights supplied; and Guided walking tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition and Sanctuary Valley. Not included: Food and drinks; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour?
+
The ZEALANDIA Visitors Centre is located at the end of Waiapu Road. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility, or difficulty walking for 2 hours in. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour?
+
Across 158 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour?
+
There are 12 options to choose from, including 6:30, 6:45 Mon-Sun, 5:15, 5:30 Sat Sun, 5:30, 5:45 Sat Sun, 7:15, 7:30 Mon-Sun. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour.
Pick your date




