Uncover the Most Endangered Wildlife In the Zealandia Sanctuary

New Zealand is a country that has been isolated for any very long time – ever since it split off from the supercontinent of Gondwana. It was a land devoid of normal predators before the first humans arrived just 700 years back. Nz was without mammals (aside from some small bats and marine real life seals). It was a land ruled by birds, and people birds occupied the various niches.

If you might like to see the landscapes and wildlife in New Zealand – undoubtedly the largest national park is Fiordland National Park. It is a dazzling land of mountains, virgin forests, native birds, lakes, and fiords. Alternatively, explore New Zealand's marine life having a whale watching tour in the stunning coastal capital of scotland- Kaikoura.

The requirement for a Wildlife Sanctuary in New Zealand

New Zealand had the biggest known bird on the planet (the moa), the biggest eagle (the Haast eagle), and lots of unusual birds which had evolved in isolation without mammals like cats, weasels, stoats, dogs, wolves, along with other animals preying on them. The appearance of humans to Nz and the introduction of animals improved the situation dramatically.

First Humans: The Native Maori People Found its way to Nz 700 Years back

Lacking any defense against these threats, a lot of New Zealand's most unique species of birds have long extinct. Many only cling on now thanks to very intensive conservation efforts.

The Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

Perhaps the best place to see the initial wildlife of recent Zealand along with some of its most vulnerable species reaches the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary. Zealand is a protected natural area in Wellington – the nation's capital.

It is a fully fenced ecosanctuary designed to keep cats, weasels, and other predators out. The forest inside the sanctuary has been restored so they cover an area of 225 hectares. It is an effort to allow the natural ecosystems to recuperate by minimizing the outcome of introduced plants and creatures.

Zealandia:

Size: 225 Hectares
Surrounded: With a Pest-Exclusion Fence
Location: Wellington (the main city)

It has become a significant tourist attraction and has aided in the recovery of a few of the native birds in the region like the tui and kākā.

The pest-exclusion fence is central to making an ecological island. It's designed to exclude fourteen species of non-native land mammals and it has succeeded in excluding all but the smallest of pests – the home mouse. It's of great conservation significance, being a world first. It comes with an underground foot to prevent animals from burrowing beneath the fence.

The fence is designed to exclude cats, black rats, fallow deer, ferrets, goats, hares, hedgehogs, mice, Norway rats, pigs, rabbits, possums, stoats, and weasels.

Kiwis: There Are over 150 Kiwi Birds In the Sanctuary
Species: Over 40 Species of Native Wildlife

In the sanctuary, one will discover a few of the rarest and many unique New Zealand birds including kiwis, kakas, saddlebacks, Takahes, and wekas. It also boasts the only wild mainland population of tuatara (a “living fossil” and not a lizard it resembles). In total it's home to over 40 rare types of native wildlife.

Visiting Zealandia

One can choose to either be led with a guide or tour around at your own pace. While most people spend 2-3 hours within the sanctuary, one can easily spend the entire day inside wondering along the 32 kilometers (20 miles) of tracks

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last Entry 4.00 pm)
General Admission: Adults $23.00 NZD ($16.00)
Kiwi: Kiwis are Nocturnal, So If One Would Like To See Them, Think about a Nighttime Tour

Guided Tours Of Zealandia

A full-range of tours can be found in Zealandia these include tours by day, twilight, night, and dawn (different birds are active at different times). There are also private tours, tours for kids, and photo tours.

Zealandia By Day Tour:

This is the most popular tour and one will join one of their experienced guides and attempt a visit into what New Zealand once was. Hear about the birdsongs, habitats, and native flora to find even the rarest of our unique animals.

New Zealand has some of the most unique biodiversity and advanced conservation approaches to the planet. Soak up the gorgeous scenery while learning more about New Zealand's unique ecological history.