Zealandia Ecosanctuary
Wellington
Zealandia Ecosanctuary, also known by its Māori name Te Māra a Tāne, is a groundbreaking wildlife sanctuary located in Wellington, New Zealand. It spans 225 hectares of forested land, fully enclosed by a specially designed pest-exclusion fence that protects native flora and fauna from introduced mammalian predators. This sanctuary represents one of the world's first mainland island ecosystems in an urban setting, enabling the restoration of original New Zealand biodiversity within city limits. Zealandia is home to over 40 species of native birds, including iconic species such as tūī and kākā, as well as unique reptiles like the tuatara and Hamilton's Frog. The sanctuary's forest is a lush remnant of the original broadleaf forests that once covered much of the Wellington region, featuring native trees such as rātā, rewarewa, tawa, and podocarps like kahikatea and rimu. Zealandia has become a major tourist attraction and conservation success story, inspiring similar projects throughout New Zealand. Visitors can explore walking tracks, learn about native species, and enjoy guided tours within a safe, predator-free environment. The sanctuary operates daily except Christmas Day, offering a café and visitor facilities to enhance the experience.
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Tipp: The best time to visit Zealandia is during daylight hours when birds and reptiles are most active, typically from morning until late afternoon. It is advisable to book tickets or guided tours in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability. Zealandia offers free shuttle services and has accessible paths for visitors of all abilities. Discounts may be available for children, seniors, and groups. Check the official website for current track conditions and any special events before your visit.
Interessante Fakten
- •Zealandia is the world's first urban mainland island sanctuary with a pest-proof fence designed to exclude all terrestrial mammalian predators down to mouse size.
- •The sanctuary protects 14 species of invasive mammals including rats, possums, stoats, and ferrets, which have devastated New Zealand's native wildlife elsewhere.
- •More than 40 native bird species have been recorded within Zealandia, 24 of which are endemic to New Zealand.
- •The sanctuary has significantly increased sightings of native birds such as tūī and kākā in Wellington's suburbs.
- •Zealandia's forest ecosystem includes some of New Zealand's rarest reptiles and amphibians, including the tuatara, a 'living fossil' species.
- •The predator-proof fence is 8.6 kilometers long with a curved top and underground foot to prevent climbing and burrowing by pests.
Geschichte
Originally part of a water catchment area for Wellington, the Zealandia valley was historically covered by broadleaf forest until extensive fires and European settlement in the 19th century cleared much of the land.
Mining activities briefly occurred in the late 1800s before the area was repurposed for water reservoirs completed in the early 1900s.
The upper reservoir was decommissioned in the 1990s.
In the early 1990s, conservationist Jim Lynch promoted the idea of establishing a wildlife sanctuary to restore native ecosystems.
After feasibility studies and public consultation, the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Trust was formed in 1995 to create the fenced ecosanctuary.
The pest-exclusion fence was completed in 1999, followed by eradication of invasive mammals, enabling native species to recover and thrive within the sanctuary.
Ortsführer
Pest-Exclusion Fence1999
An 8.6-kilometer-long specially designed fence that excludes 14 invasive mammal species, featuring a small mesh size, curved top-cap, and underground foot to prevent climbing and burrowing.
Native Bird Habitats
Various forest areas within Zealandia provide habitats for native birds such as tūī, kākā, and kererū, allowing visitors to experience New Zealand's unique avifauna.
Tuatara Enclosures
Specialized areas dedicated to the conservation and viewing of tuatara, ancient reptiles endemic to New Zealand, often referred to as 'living fossils'.
Walking Tracks and Visitor Facilities
A network of accessible walking tracks through native forest, with visitor centers and a café providing educational and recreational opportunities.
Kontakt
Telefon: 04 920 9213