Kiwi and Birdlife Park

The national symbol of New Zealand, the kiwi, is a timid and elusive bird that few have the chance to see in the wild. The Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown offers visitors the opportunity to get up-close with this at-risk species, and to learn about the birds in the process. The Kiwi Birdlife Park’s grounds are leafy and expansive, and are a popular destination for visitors to Queenstown for the peaceful escape they provide.Arrive at the park in time for one of the four kiwi feeding sessions of the day. These sessions are the best opportunity you will have to see the birds up-close, and are held in the kiwi houses just beyond the park’s entrance. The sessions last for 15 minutes and afterwards you can walk throughout the houses to see the birds in their habitat.The park also offers two daily conservation presentations. Learn about the ways we can save this iconic species, and the things we can do for the environment in general. This is an excellent opportunity to ask trained conservationists questions about New Zealand’s environment.The park is home to far more species than just the kiwi. Spend the rest of your day at the park wandering through its 5 acres (2 hectares) of bushland to see what creatures you can spot. Try and find the red-crowned parakeet, or the morepork, the last remaining owl species native to New Zealand. The park also contains many reptiles and marsupials, and you can learn how these coexist with the birds, both within the park and in the wild.Pack a picnic lunch or choose from a range of snacks from the park’s cafe. The park is located just five minutes’ walk from central Queenstown, and there is ample parking available. The Kiwi Birdlife Park is closed on December 25 and there is an admission fee.