Kiwi Park Queenstown

The basics

Thanks to its central location in Queenstown, it’s easy to get to the Kiwi Park Queenstown on foot, so many travelers choose to visit independently rather than on an organized tour. However, many visitors book admission in advance to avoid waiting around in ticket lines. Once inside, audio tours are available to learn about the wildlife species. Other on-site educational experiences include keeper presentations, nature exhibits, wildlife shows, and kiwi encounters.

Things to know before you go

• A visit to the park typically takes around 1.5–2 hours to participate in a kiwi encounter, watch a conservation show, and have a self-guided audio tour.

• There’s an on-site cafe, so you can break up your wildlife viewing with a refreshment break.

• The park is wheelchair-accessible, but some areas are steep, so it’s recommended to bring a family member/friend/caregiver to assist you if you are a wheelchair user.

• There’s a shop to buy local honey, books, toys, clothing, and souvenirs.

How to get there

Conveniently situated on Upper Brecon Street in downtown Queenstown (just below the Skyline Gondola), the Kiwi Park Queenstown is an easy-to-find location. If setting off on foot from Queenstown’s CBD, it only takes around 5–10 minutes to reach the park. Alternatively, driving from Queenstown Airport usually only takes about 15 minutes.

When to get there

Open throughout the year—usually seven days a week—the Kiwi Birdlife Park typically has slightly more extended opening hours during the summer months. Opening hours are from morning until late afternoon, and passes are valid for a full day. Weekends tend to get busy, especially during the summer, so arriving in the morning or late afternoon on a weekday is advisable.

What happens during a kiwi encounter

Many visitors come to the Kiwi Park Queenstown, especially to see the national bird of New Zealand—the kiwi. To observe these unique nocturnal birds, you can go for a kiwi encounter. This involves visiting a specially designed enclosure—a nocturnal Kiwi House—where you can see the birds up close and learn fun facts, such as what they eat and why they can’t fly.