Zealandia

Zealandia is a predator-free ecosanctuary in the suburbs of Wellington.  At this point I have been there a couple times and am continually impressed by it.  The entire preserve is enclosed in a predator-proof fence as part of a 500-year vision to return the valley to pre-human conditions.  The 225 hectare reserve has had 18 species of native wildlife reintroduced, 6 of which have been absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years.

South Island Takahe
These birds were thought to be extinct in 1898 but were then rediscovered in 1948.
There are less than 400 in the wild today.

Bath time

Prior to the arrival of humans, New Zealand was the land of birds.  The only native mammals are bats, so an amazing variety of flora and fauna developed here that is found nowhere else.  The introduction of mammals such as rats, cats, and weasels by humans has, unfortunately, greatly changed the landscape in the past 700 years. 

This is from the exhibit in the Visitor's Center at Zealandia.

Tui
These are my favorite NZ birds, so far.

North Island Kaka (mountain parrot)

At this point, Zealandia probably has the highest biodiversity per square mile of anywhere on mainland New Zealand in terms of species living wild.  Over 40 different species of birds, 24 of which are endemic, have been recorded in the valley.  There are also dozens of reptile species, hundreds of plant species, and thousands of invertebrates.  Many of the species are endangered or are only found in highly managed settings such as Zealandia.  But that's enough preaching out of me about how important Zealandia is for preserving biodiversity... It is also a great place to take a stroll or just sit and bask in what New Zealand was like before humans arrived.

When you first go into Zealandia, you have to do a bag check to make sure that you are not bringing anything in with you.  After that, you are free to wander.  The paths throughout the preserve are great and range from paved, wheelchair accessible paths to steep, dirt tracks.  There are feeding stations so that you can get a closer look at some of the birds and weta hotels so that you can check out some invertebrates.  One area of the reserve is fenced off as a tuatara research area.  I have yet to see a tuatara there but I always spend a long time scrutinizing the ground whenever I walk by, hoping to get lucky.

Predator-proof fence exhibit

One thing that Ross and I have noticed since moving to New Zealand is that we both are really interested in the birds here.  I'm sure that at least part of it is that they are all so exotic and foreign to us.  It is an interesting experience to walk through the forest and listen to unfamiliar bird songs.  It really makes you realize how much the soundscape affects your experience of a place.

Kakariki (Red-crowned Parakeet) 

Kereru (New Zealand pigeon) 

New Zealand Pied Shag

North Island Kaka

North Island Kaka

North Island Kaka

North Island Kaka

There is a short mine shaft that you can go into to see Cave Wetas in Zealanadia.  Ross, being the uber prepared person that he is, had a flashlight so in we went on our most recent visit.  About 20 feet into the mine shaft, the ceiling was covered in cave weta.  They can jump 2-3 meters (6-9') and have the most incredible antenna to help survive in the lightless environment.

Cave Weta

Ross being scale.  Aren't the antenna incredible?!?

If you are visiting Wellington, Zealandia should definitely be on your "To Do" list.  Plus your ticket is good for two days, so you shouldn't feel rushed to explore it all in one day.