A Virtual Tour of the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre 

Are you a nature lover who is fascinated by Aotearoa New Zealand’s wildlife? Come celebrate World Nature Conservation Day with a special virtual alumni and family event of the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

Join Sarah Watkins from the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre on this family-friendly guided tour of the bird sanctuary. With a special introduction by vet Professor Brett Gartrell of Massey University’s Wildbase, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the centre.

You will get to:

  • View a kiwi chick hatching
  • Watch kiwi foraging in the nocturnal house
  • Enjoy kākāriki prior to their release
  • See tuna (longfin eels) in their freshwater stream habitat
  • Observe the comical kākā
  • Meet the hand-raised Kahurangi: the only North Island kōkako in captivity in the world!
  • Learn about introduced predators that threaten our native manu (birds).  

There will be opportunities for audience questions and interaction throughout the presentation.

About Sarah

Sarah has 15 years of experience working in eco-tourism, managing high ropes courses and suspended airwalks in Australia and the UK. She is passionate about sharing forests with people and is the Marketing Manager at Pūkaha.  

About Brett

Professor Brett Gartrell is an avian and wildlife veterinarian with research interests in wildlife health issues, particularly as they affect the conservation of New Zealand native species. In particular, his research has focused on wildlife disease ecology and ecotoxicology at population levels. Brett is the group leader of Wildbase in Tāwharau Ora, the School of Veterinary Science at Massey University. He leads a group of academics and professional staff who deliver veterinary and science-based solutions to conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Brett has worked collaboratively with Pūkaha Mount Bruce for the last twenty years.

About Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a not-for-profit charity managing an unfenced breeding sanctuary for native wildlife. The 942-hectare forest is home to wild birds. Inside aviaries, kiwi, kākā, and kākāriki are hatched for release across Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Register below or email alumni@massey.ac.nz.