The Nature Coast Bird Trail

You can really witness the natural world as it is here.

Go night kiwi spotting on Kapiti Island; hear the call of the famous Shannon moreporks and have small, sometimes profound experiences at other wildlife ventures you will find listed below.

Owlcatraz

Experience it all, nature, fun and entertaining for the whole family.

Guided Tours to see the New Zealand owls, ostriches, deer, giant steer and other birds and animals, picnic area, craft shop, miniature train, picnic area, native trees and plants, beautiful lake, Wairuru caves, icecreams, complimentary tea and coffee, catered lunch by appointment.

Owlcatraz Native Bird and Wildlife Park
Main Road South (SH57)
Shannon,

Owners: Ross and Janette Campbell
P: 06 362 7872
W: www.owlcatraz.co.nz
E: owlcatraz@xtra.co.nz

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Kapiti Island Alive

Kapiti Island: An internationally renowned sanctuary for New Zealand native birds, native forest and New Zealand wildlife and marine reserve. 

Kapiti Island is home to the world's largest population of little spotted kiwi plus many other endangered species of New Zealand birds.  The Island is accessible to both overnight and day visitors.
Experiencing pristine native forest, guided nature walks, conservation education, Māori cultural elements and story telling, family hospitality and great meals are all part of the Kapiti Island experience. 

Kapiti Island Alive & Kapiti Nature Lodge
P O Box 28, Otaki, New Zealand

P: 06 362 6606
M: 021 126 7525
E: minnie@kapitiislandalive.co.nz
W: www.kapitiislandalive.co.nz

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Nga Manu Nature Reserve

Explore New Zealand's native flora and fauna and the last large remnant of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kapiti Coast.

Hang out with some of our most treasured flora and fauna: tuatara, tui, kiwi, kaka, and silver ferns. Staff love sharing their knowledge with visitors, who can get up close with unique New Zealand creatures and plants and then relax with a picnic or snack from the on-site shop. Manager Bruce Benseman says the kids' favourite is the daily eel feeding frenzy!

Nga Manu Nature Reserve
281 Ngarara Road
Waikanae

Manager: Bruce Benseman
P: 04 293 4131
E: ngamanu@clear.net.nz
W: www.ngamanu.co.nz

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Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours

The Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve is, home to over 63 species of birds (at some time during the year), many of these can be seen in their natural and native habitats .

Stroll along the sandspit/riverbank and enjoy the magnificent scenery while observing the current residents which may include Caspian Terns, Royalspoonbills, Shags, Dabchicks, Scaup, Herons, Shovelers, Pukeko and many more species of birds who reside in the Estuary.

Kapiti Bird Tours
160 Weggery Drive West
Waikanae
New Zealand

Mik and Moira Peryer
P: 04 905 1001
M: 021 750 603
W:www.kapitibirdtours.co.nz

The Parrot Ranch

Cheeky parrots, lovesick geese, lizards, turtles, monkeys, wallabies and a Macaw that yells out "I love you, I love you." Parrot Ranch co-owner Jody Burgess loves watching people's reactions to his unique wildlife attraction.

"A carload turns up - mum, dad, and a couple of kids," says Jody. "One of them typically isn't at all interested and has only come along under duress. By the time they're halfway round they're enjoying it the most, and that's when you get a really good feeling."

The Parrot Ranch
155 Kimberly Road, Levin
New Zealand

W: www.parrots.co.nz

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The Manawatu Estuary Trust

The Manawatu River Estuary (at Foxton Beach) is now a Ramsar site and an internationally recognised bird sanctuary, where migrating and NZ native birds enjoy the mudflats and wetlands.

The Manawatu Estuary at the mouth of the Manawatu River is a wetland of international importance. Horizons Regional Council, Horowhenua District Council and the Department of Conservation work together to manage this area. A community conservation group, the Manawatu Estuary Trust, play a significant part in looking after and advising on the management of this area.

Manawatu Estuary Trust
Project Manager: Joan Leckie, ph 06 368-1277

Getting there
Turn off SH1 at Foxton and head to the small settlement of Foxton Beach. Walking access to the estuary is off Holben Parade where cars can be parked by a small picnic shelter or alternatively cars can be driven down a sandy track past the old boat club to the estuary flats.