Download Map of Karori Sanctuary

Download Map of Karori Sanctuary, click here.

Just 5 minutes drive from central Wellington, Karori Sanctuary is New Zealand's most accessible 'mainland conservation island'. This award-winning eco-restoration project gives visitors an unrivalled opportunity to experience our iconic native wildlife in its natural environment. Guided tours provide intimate encounters with birds and reptiles normally just found on remote offshore islands, and a chance to learn about a unique vision to turn back the clock to a time before humans arrived.

Day tours include a cruise across the scenic lower lake and a chance to look for New Zealand's 'living dinosaur' the tuatara. For a truly unforgettable experience, take the unique 2 hour tour by torchlight. When darkness has settled, your guide will start looking for New Zealand's elusive national mascot - the kiwi. Recognised worldwide as a benchmark in urban ecological restoration, it has won numerous awards for its achievements, including the 2008 Tourism Award for Conservation in Action.