Ngā Manu Nature Reserve

On the fringes of Waikanae, you’ll find Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, a green oasis alive with birdsong, shimmering ponds, and dense native forest. Having welcomed visitors from far and wide since 1981, the 14-hectare site protects and showcases one of the largest remaining fragments of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kāpiti Coast.

The reserve exudes a calm vibrance throughout: lush totara and kahikatea tower over boardwalks, ferns rustle underfoot, and quiet lakes reflect leafy canopies. A wheelchair-accessible loop track winds through the forest, making the experience welcoming for all. In the aviaries and reptile enclosures, you’ll find cheeky kākā and kea, ancient tuatara, and a nocturnal house that invites you into the secret lives of kiwi. 

Visiting here is more than a stroll through greenery; it’s a deeply immersive experience. Families and nature lovers can feed longfin eels in the pond, pick up a guided tour of native birds and reptiles, or join a kiwi night encounter for a rare chance to observe these birds in near-darkness. Whether you linger on a bench beside a mirror-like lake, watch a kererū glide overhead, or hear a tui break the stillness, there’s always a gentle sense of connection to Aotearoa’s natural heritage.

Above all, Ngā Manu fuses a family-friendly day out with a purposeful mission. Through breeding programmes for kiwi, whio, tuatara, and rare lizards, the reserve plays a part in preserving our native fauna, while inviting visitors to learn and engage in a meaningful way. A visit to Ngā Manu is more than a leisurely walk; it’s an exemplar of exceptional conservation in action.