Sanctuary Explorer

Sanctuary Explorer

The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in a hidden valley only 2km from Wellington City centre. An 8.6km long predator-proof fence surrounds 252 ha of native forest.

Introduced predators have been removed from the valley and rare native wildlife such as the little spotted kiwi, saddleback and kaka have been released inside. In addition to the natural history there is also considerable physical history including two dams, historical buildings and a 19th Century goldmine.

These school holidays younger visitors to the Sanctuary can use a new trail map designed to help them explore, learn and have fun in the Sanctuary.

They can pick up an Explorer pack and find their way around the Sanctuary identifying plants and birds while doing a series of tasks.

The focus is on children observing the environment, exploring and discovering things in the environment. Children will have fun tasks to focus on and the Explorer pack will include a trail map, stickers, postcard, a pen and a sweet.

"It will be an opportunity for children to not only explore the Sanctuary’s special environment but to look, listen and learn at the same time," says Sanctuary Educator Nic Newman.

The Explorer pack will be suitable for children of all ages with or without parent help – however, please remember children aged under 14 need adult supervision in the Sanctuary.

Packs cost just $1.50 in addition to the normal entry fee and will be available for the duration of the school holiday period. It will take approximately an hour and a half to complete the trail. The Sanctuary’s Visitor Centre is located at the end of Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington (first left after the Karori Tunnel). Open every day from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays. Entry fees: $7 adult, $3 child (school age), $17 a family of two adults and three children. Sanctuary members and pre-school children no charge for entry.

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