Where to See Wildlife in Wellington
Predator-free sanctuaries, bushy terrain full of birds, coasts teeming with life… Wellington is a great place to experience some of New Zealand’s most fascinating wildlife.
It only makes sense that the capital city of the nature-filled land of New Zealand has some amazing wildlife experiences of its own. We’ll go through the best Wellington wildlife experiences in this article, both free experiences and paid experiences.
In between checking out the birds, lizards and marine wildlife of Wellington, don’t miss the 10 Wellington Must-Dos. And find a place to stay in one of the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Wellington City or 10 Best Hotels in Wellington.
Table of Contents
1. Red Rocks
Who doesn’t love a free wildlife experience with a side of stunning geology? The Red Rocks Scientific Reserve, nestled on Wellington’s rugged south coast near Ōwhiro Bay, offers just that.
From April to October, hundreds of New Zealand fur seals haul out on the dramatic red pillow-lava cliffs, creating a wild spectacle.
The coastal walk from the car park to the seal colony (round-trip ~7–8 km) takes you along pebble beaches and past fascinating geological oddities. Remember to give the seals plenty of space!
See here for more beaches to check out in Wellington.
Location: Red Rocks Reserve, Ōwhiro Bay, Wellington, North Island. To get there by bus, take the Number 1 bus to Island Bay. Get off at the last stop and walk about 2 km (1.2 miles) via Ōwhiro Bay Parade to the start of the Red Rocks Walkway.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Zealandia
This wildlife sanctuary is a stone’s throw away from the city centre. In fact, there are free shuttles from the i-SITE to Zealandia so there is no excuse!
Check out this bird haven protected by a predator-proof fence. Walkways around the forest past various feeding stations give you opportunities to see tui, North Island kaka, North Island robin, bellbird, takahe and more!
Plus, the museum is a great place to learn more about the fascinating eco-system of New Zealand.
Location: 10 minutes drive from Wellington City. 53 Waiapu Road, Karori. Free shuttles available from the Wellington i-SITE.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Cape Palliser
Cape Palliser is a dramatic southern tip of the North Island that’s well worth the road trip from Wellington City. This coastal gem offers a trifecta of attractions: the iconic Cape Palliser Lighthouse, a thriving fur seal colony, and the geological wonder of “Kupe’s Sail”.
As we discovered first-hand, it’s the only place in the North Island where you can witness fur seals breeding, a colony established in the 1990s.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the protected red-billed gulls nesting here too. The breathtaking coastal panoramas make for an unforgettable day trip, combining seal-spotting, lighthouse visits, and sweeping vistas.
Remember to give the seals plenty of space as you enjoy this free wildlife experience.
Location: Cape Palliser Road, Palliser Bay, Wairarapa, North Island. 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Wellington City. Cape Palliser is at the very south of the Wairarapa district.
© Don Benny Vergara4. Staglands Wildlife Reserve
For a wonderful combination of conservation and community, visit Staglands Wildlife Reserve in the beautiful Akatarawa Valley. This 10-hectare rural reserve, about an hour from Wellington, offers an interactive and regenerative wildlife experience that’s perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Get up close with a variety of animals, including adorable kunekune pigs, cheeky kea, gentle deer, friendly goats, and slippery eels and trout.
For more things to do in the area, don’t miss our 10 Things to Do in the Hutt Valley.
Location: 2362 Akatarawa Road, Upper Hutt, Wellington Region, North Island. One hour drive from Wellington City. Take State Highway 2 to Upper Hutt and follow Akatarawa Road.
© Flying Saucer - WellingtonNZ
5. Kapiti Island
Catch a ferry or tour from Paraparaumu to Kapiti Island and explore this island sanctuary known for its population of kiwi, North Island kaka, hihi, tui and much more! It’s a bird-lovers’ paradise.
Take the Kapiti Coast Full Day Tour, stay overnight to spot some kiwi, or take a self-guided tour on the numerous walking trails ranging from 5 minutes to 2 hours.
It’s one of the must-dos on the Kapiti Coast!
Location: Paraparaumu is about 1-hour drive from Wellington City following State Highway 1. Boat access to the island is via Kapiti Boating Club, 1 Manly Road, Paraparaumu Beach.
© PocketGuide.com6. Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre (Mount Bruce) is a 942-hectare predator-controlled sanctuary dedicated to reviving Aotearoa’s most endangered native species.
We’re really fond of the Nocturnal House, where you can get a close look at adorable kiwi chicks. Be sure to catch the daily kākā feeding, it’s a real treat!
The centre also boasts aviaries and wetlands showcasing species like whio, takahē and kōkako.
For a more inclusive experience, try one of their guided tours. We personally love the night tours, where you can spot glow-worms and tuna (eels). Cultural trips with local iwi and the Te Arapiki o Tawhaki forest loop walk are also fantastic ways to connect with nature and Māori culture.
See more activities like this in the 10 Things to Do in Wellington with Kids.
Location: Mount Bruce, Wairarapa, North Island. 1 hour 50 minutes drive from Wellington City.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Wellington
That’s it for our guide to Wellington wildlife spots; for more information about New Zealand’s capital, check out the following articles:
- 10 Free Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington
- 10 Wellington Must-Dos
- The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Wellington.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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