Staglands Wildlife Reserve

Staglands Wildlife Reserve offers an exciting day out for anyone visiting the Wellington region.  Connect with the friendly animals, native birds, and its natural beauty as you journey around this unique reserve in the Akatarawa Valley near Upper Hutt.

Wander through the bush and interact with the wildlife including abundant bird life, Clydesdale horse, emus, goats, guinea pigs and rabbits and the ever-popular kunekune pigs.  Staglands is carefully designed with minimal barriers so you can get up close and personal with many of the animals and interact freely with them.

Meet the friendly sulphur crested cockatoos, Sonny & Peppa in The Pond Aviary before entering the boardwalks of The Forest Wetlands, an area that has been extensively vegetated and provides shelter and breeding sites for a wide range of native and introduced waterfowl.

Visit the Old Bush Settlement to see what life would have been like for the original pioneers in New Zealand.  Here, you can take a ride on The Flying Stag, then explore all the exciting nooks and crannies this interactive area has to offer. 

At the Deer Park you'll see the rolling hills overlooking Staglands where fallow deer freely roam. 

Enter The Secret Garden, a magical place reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, where you will find oodles of very friendly and inquisitive animals that will come to be fed if you are quiet and patient.

Activities:

Lunchtime Feed Tour
If you want to hear more about some of the birds and animals and have a go at feeding them, join the daily free Lunchtime Feed Tour.  Meet at The Cafe at 12.30pm.
 
Tractor-Trailer Rides
Get off the beaten track at Staglands with free off-road tractor-trailer rides, with ‘Orange’ the tractor.  The ride includes two river crossings and is thrilling for both children and adults alike. Available for all visitors.  Rides run from 11.30am to 3.30pm on weekends, school holidays, and public holidays (circumstances allowing).
 
Junior Ranger Experience
The perfect gift for any young animal lover, our Junior Ranger Experience offers a hand-on, behind the scenes view of what's involved in looking after the animals at Staglands Wildlife Reserve.   Available daily, find out more and purchase your experience now.  

Cafe

Enjoy tempting home-made treats complimented with fresh coffee or order a light café lunch from the menu.  The Café is fully licensed with a selection of beer, wine, and cold non-alcoholic beverages. 

Event Venues

Staglands offers a range of unique venues to host all type of events.  From an intimate wedding ceremony in The Settlement Church, a Christmas Party in The Barn, a whole school educational visit, or a children’s birthday party at Wellingtons wildest little destination, there are plenty of options to cater for your needs.

Opening Hours: 

Wildlife Reserve: Every Day 9:30am - 5.00pm (Except Christmas Day).
Staglands Café:  Every Day:   10:00am - 4:30pm 
There is no public holiday surcharge at Staglands 

Prices:

Adults:  $27
Children:  $12
Family Pass:  $78