Zealandia Eco Reserve & Otari Wilton Bush
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Port
Wellington, New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$149.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Travel to the Zealandia Sanctuary for a 90 minute guided tour. Just minutes from downtown Wellington, this 550-acre eco-reserve is tucked in a forested valley and protected by a five-mile predator-proof fence. A Zealandia tour guide tells the story of New Zealand's natural history and conservation movement in a world-class interactive museum. (S)he will lead you through this extraordinary conservation area and show you some of New Zealand's rarest species, including birds such as the saddleback and hihi, that have been on the brink of extinction.
Zealandia is the only place in mainland New Zealand where you can see the famous 'living fossil' -- the tuatara lizard. More than 200 of these prehistoric-looking creatures live in this natural environment. The Maud Island frog -- the only frog species to hatch as fully-formed froglets without going through the usual tadpole stage -- also makes its home here, as well as 20+ species of endemic birds, including the kaka parrot, the tui, and the kereru pigeon. Watch out for the giant weta -- one of the largest insects in the world.
Next, head to the Otari Native Botanic Garden & Wilton's Bush Reserve -- the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. Classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, this amazing plant sanctuary and forest reserve consists of 250 acres of native forest and plants. Take the 246-foot canopy walkway, 59 feet above the forest floor, which links two garden areas.
Another scenic drive through the heart of the city returns you to the ship.
Notes:
Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed.