Orokonui Ecosanctuary

About

The roots of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary date back to 1982 when cartoonist Burton Silver and a few friends tried to convert a fertilizer factory into a giant aviary. While the initial proposal was abandoned, it set a trust in place that would eventually set up this 307 hectare wildlife sanctuary. The forest is surrounded by a specialized specialized pest-exclusion fence designed to keep out anything larger than a mouse, so that New Zealand’s endemic plants and wildlife can live free of introduced predators. A number of walking trails allow visitors the chance to see New Zealand’s endemic bird species the takahe, South Island brown kiwi, kaka, kereru, ruru, bellbird, tui, and many others, as well as reptiles like the tuatara and endangered otago skink. While you’re free to explore on your own, the park also offers guided tours to ensure you don’t miss seeing a rare parrot, and to learn more about the local ecology. For more information, please visit orokonui.nz