It's a rare thrill to see a kiwi in the flesh. Here are our tips for some of the best places to catch a glimpse of our flightless friends in Aotearoa.
Kiwi North, Whangarei Just two hours away from Auckland, you'll find Kiwi North. Set on 25 hectares of blissful farmland,forest and bush, this expansive site comprises a museum, a nocturnal kiwi house, plus unique Victorian heritage buildings. They hold family-friendly events throughout the year, too, so be sure to make a day of it and head there with the kids. 500 State Highway 14, Maunu, Whangarei, Northland www.kiwinorth.co.nz
Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park You won't just find kiwis at this wildlife sanctuary - you'll also stumble upon other New Zealand birds and reptiles including kea, kākā, kākāriki, tuatara and more. Actively conserving kiwis since the early 1970s, this sanctuary also breeds kiwis. Be sure to catch their keeper talks and feeding displays to get up-close-and-personal with the animals. 20 Alex Telfer Drive, Otorohanga www.kiwihouse.org.nz
Orana Wildlife Park A big player in conservation advocacy and public education about kiwis, Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park gives visitors the opportunity to see our beautiful national icons as they forage for food. The Nocturnal Kiwi House is open every day, with a daily feeding presentation at 1.30pm. 793 McLeans Island Rd, Christchurch www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz
Rainbow Springs Nature Park October is a great time to visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park in Rotorua, which is running special family deals - including a 'Kiwi Encounter Behind the Scenes' tour. In this, visitors can witness each stage that kiwi chicks go through before being released into the wild, from incubation to hatching and raising. And to sweeten the deal, every dollar goes towards the park's kiwi conservation programme. 192 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua www.rainbowsprings.co.nz
Kiwi Birdlife Park This Queenstown park makes a huge contribution to kiwi conservation in New Zealand, including kiwi recovery through its breed-for-release programme and as volunteers on Department of Conservation projects including a recent Rowi Kiwi release on Motuara Island. Make sure to catch the feeding sessions (there are five each day) - free to all ticket holders. Upper Brecon Street, Queenstown www.kiwibird.co.nz
