Sprawled across 225 hectares in breathtaking Wellington lies the world first fully enclosed conservation island on a mainland named ZEALANDIA or the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. Hoping to set back the hands of time 700 years in to the past the sanctuary’s main goal s to reverse the environment in its enclosure to the pre-human era when the landscapes truly resembled the paradise it once was. Having opened its doors to the public in 1995 the premises consists of a square mile of re-cultivated wetland and lowland forest habitats protected by a one of a kind predator-deterring fence that stretches along 8.6km of its borders to keeps possums, hedgehogs and other non-native creatures from entering the enclosure.
Renowned as a trailblazing initiative in conservation the sanctuary is a highly popular attraction both home and abroad for its work in recovering and protecting endangered species of native wildlife and their eco systems. Ranked as one of the best locations to view the country’s native birds the venue boasts a number of rare bird varieties all of whom inhabit the natural environment created by the sanctuary. With over 20 native species that are only visible in New Zealand to its name visitors can expect to see kererus, tuis, bush parrots and other endangered winged beauties such as the North Island wekas, saddlebacks, spotted kiwis and hihis. Other highlights include New Zealand falcons, fantails, bellbirds, red-crowned parakeets, silvereyes and New Zealand scaups.
Reptiles and amphibians indigenous to the nation are also found here as most of the country’s creepy crawlies are considered harmless. Home to the infamous tree weta, cave weta and the giant wetas who are some of the largest and most hefty insects on the planet the locale also boasts an inordinate amount of glow worms, massive stick insects, and peripatuses. Maud Island frogs and Tuataras are also spotted at the sanctuary which is also known for its rich plant heritage. From black tree ferns, lemonwoods and lacebarks to silver ferns the parkland also has its fair share of cabbage trees, tree fuchsias, Ngaios, KawakawaKōwhai trees and Nīkau plants.
Travellers in search of a luxury hotel in Wellington will be more than satisfied with the stylish Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay. With a stunning location overlooking the harbour this elegant establishment offers a wide variety of contemporary amenities for an ideal holiday in Wellington.
