Kiwi Conservation Centre
Kiwi / Nature

Kiwi Conservation Centre

 

Step into the world of Aotearoa’s iconic kiwi at Te Puia’s Kiwi Conservation Centre, an experience included with Te Rā, Te Rā + Haka, and Te Pō Combo bookings. Witness the magic of these birds as they forage in their purpose-built nocturnal enclosure, learn about their unique history, and explore the vital conservation efforts that safeguard their future.

Our state-of-the-art facility is designed with care and innovation, featuring:

  • Specialised lighting to support natural vegetation growth.
  • Soundproof panels for a tranquil environment.
  • An isolation room for health checks to ensure kiwi wellbeing.
  • An education room with an interactive display, offering fascinating insights into the life and conservation of the kiwi.

Among the kiwi on display is Manawa, our newest addition to our kiwi whānau. Hatched in November 2024, Manawa is the first chick born in 15 years, from a breeding pair housed in an off-display enclosure within the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.

As part of the North Island Brown Kiwi captive management program, coordinated by the Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA), we’re proud to contribute to the preservation of this precious species.

Come and connect with one of Aotearoa’s most cherished taonga, and be inspired by the critical work happening here to protect the future of our national treasure.

A brown kiwi probes with its long pale bill through dense green fern fronds in lush forest undergrowth.
Kiwi foraging, probing leaf litter with its long bill beside a mossy log under low, brown-tinted forest understory, surrounded by broad leaves and scattered twigs.
Silhouetted person stands with one hand on hip, holding a long fishing rod; a fish hangs from the line above a small crate; plain circular light background.

A long history

Kiwi conservation at Te Puia has deep roots, dating back to the 1970s when the centre operated as a rehabilitation facility for injured wild kiwi. The original nocturnal house, built in 1976, brought joy to countless visitors over the decades.

LED grow light hangs above a rectangular planter, shining down on three seedlings at different growth stages; stylized monochrome illustration inside a circular frame.

Award-winning conservation facility

In 2019 the state-of-the-art Kiwi Conservation Centre opened, offering an exceptional viewing and educational experience for manuhiri. Designed with care, the new enclosure ensures the best possible viewing opportunities for visitors to observe this remarkable nocturnal bird.

Root vegetable (beet/turnip) held in a stylized hand against a pale circular background.

Sustainability

Te Puia proudly participates in the national captive management programme for the North Island Brown Kiwi, coordinated by the Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA) and the Department of Conservation (DOC). Guided by the promises made to our tūpuna—our ancestors—we are deeply committed to preserving Aotearoa’s unique flora, fauna, language, and culture for future generations.

A black DSLR-style camera icon crossed out by a red circular prohibition symbol with a diagonal slash, displayed on a white background, indicating that photography is not allowed.

No Photography or Videography

To ensure the wellbeing of our kiwi, cameras and filming are not permitted within the kiwi enclosure. We kindly ask that you silence or turn off your mobile phone before entering to maintain a calm and quiet environment for our precious birds.

Mobile Phones MUST NOT BE USED IN THIS AREA

Three stylized animals—a golden kiwi, an olive howling canine, and a turquoise shark—cluster left on a white background beside a block of black

FAQ

Te Puia’s Kiwi Conservation Centre in Rotorua is one of the best places in New Zealand to see kiwi up close. Kiwi are nocturnal, so the Centre’s specially designed nocturnal habitat reverses day and night, keeping these rare birds active and visible to visitors during normal opening hours. The Centre also plays an active role in kiwi breeding and conservation, helping protect New Zealand’s national bird for future generations.

Te Puia’s Kiwi Conservation Centre, set within Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, is one of the best places in Rotorua to see kiwi up close. Its specially designed nocturnal habitat reverses day and night, so these rare, shy birds are active and visible to visitors throughout normal opening hours.