Welcome to the world's first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary - a conservation success and safe haven for some of New Zealand's rarest native animals. Remarkable species of birds, reptiles, insects and more are living wild within a beautiful 225ha (one square mile) valley - just 10 minutes from central Wellington. Around 40 native and endemic species of birds can be found at Zealandia. Kākā - the playful forest parrots - have made an impressive comeback to the area and are lots of fun to watch at their supplementary feeder stations. Endangered hihi (stitchbird), tīeke (saddleback), kākāriki and kiwi are flourishing here and the pair of critically threatened takahē are often seen at the wetlands. Zealandia provides routes for everyone from wheelchair-users to all-day trampers. You can choose from various fascinating guided tours and feeding talks (all free with admission), or simply roam at your leisure to find the valley's remarkable native wildlife living free. The scenic cafe Rata, is a great place refreshments before or after your walk. Zealandia is open every day except Christmas Day from 10am to 5pm, last entry is at 4pm. You can catch the free shuttle from various Wellington locations including outside the i-SITE and Te Papa.