Kiwi Night Encounter at Nga Manu Nature Reserve
Overview
The Kiwi Night Encounter offers one of the best chances in New Zealand to see kiwi up close, an experience many describe as a must-do in New Zealand.
Your evening begins in the visitor centre, where experienced guides introduce you to kiwi and the conservation work behind their protection. You’ll then be guided to a purpose-built habitat designed to support natural kiwi behaviour while allowing for quiet, respectful observation.
As darkness falls, a resident pair of North Island brown kiwi emerge to forage — probing the ground, moving through the undergrowth, and displaying their natural nocturnal behaviours. Small group sizes ensure a calm, low-impact environment throughout the experience.
While kiwi are the focus, Ruru (morepork) are often seen and heard overhead and may be observed flying through the habitat as they feed — offering a glimpse into the wider nocturnal ecosystem.
Ngā Manu is a working conservation reserve, and all encounters are shaped around the wellbeing of animals.
What's Included
- Kneel pads are provided for comfort.
- No photography
Meeting Location
74 Nga Manu Reserve Road
Waikanae 5391, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
• Introductory talk in the visitor centre
• Short guided walk to the kiwi viewing habitat
• Low-light, nocturnal viewing conditions
• Slow-paced, quiet experience focused on observation
• Wildlife behaviour that varies naturally each evening
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Kiwi Night Encounter at Nga Manu Nature Reserve?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-412389P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.57 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Kneel pads are provided for comfort.
- No photography.
The minimum age to participate is 7. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kiwi Night Encounter at Nga Manu Nature Reserve is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kiwi Night Encounter at Nga Manu Nature Reserve will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Kneel pads are provided for comfort.
- No photography
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
