Kiwi Night Encounter at Nga Manu Nature Reserve

Join a small group, hosted by a Kiwi Night Encounter volunteer guide, for a close look at one of New Zealand’s best known native birds. This night tour focuses on two kiwi that are part of the NZ North Island Brown Kiwi Breeding Recovery Program, with time to learn about the kiwi and Ngā Manu’s role in the kiwi recovery programme.

You will be taken to a private enclosure for kiwi viewing in the dark, where the birds live in their own natural habitat away from the public. Using an ultra red light, you can watch the kiwi move through their environment and go about their normal routine without being aware you are there. The setting is designed to give you an up close view of a species that is usually difficult to see.

The experience is limited to groups of up to 10 people at a time, which keeps the encounter quiet and focused. For larger bookings, visits run in waves of 10, and private tours are also available. As you watch the kiwi, you may also see ruru, also known as morepork or small brown owl, flying around the enclosure. This adds another layer to the experience, with two native nocturnal species sharing the same space.