Welcome to the Kiwi Park Queenstown

The Kiwi Park Queenstown offers something for all ages

If you’re visiting Queenstown with kids (or you’re simply young at heart), the Kiwi Park Queenstown is one of those rare places that everyone in the family will remember long after the holiday ends. Tucked right beside the Skyline Gondola at the top of Brecon Street, this lush, family-run sanctuary brings you face to face with New Zealand’s most iconic wildlife—especially the famously shy kiwi—without ever leaving central Queenstown. It’s easy to get to, relaxed, and full of gentle, educational experiences that make conservation feel real and inspiring for all ages.

A sanctuary with a heart: a brief history

Kiwi Park Queenstown has a feel that’s both polished and personal. That’s because the story behind it is deeply local. In the 1980s, a Queenstown family took on a daunting task: to transform a once-derelict area (including a former rubbish site) into a haven for Aotearoa New Zealand’s endangered wildlife. They planted thousands of native trees and shrubs, built purpose-designed habitats, and partnered with conservation professionals to care for species that need our help.

Decades later, the park remains family-owned and operated. Its purpose is as much about education and rehabilitation as it is about memorable encounters. When you walk the leafy paths and hear the calls of native birds, it’s hard not to feel the love and determination that created this place from the ground up.

What you’ll find inside Kiwi Park Queenstown: easy paths, native bush, and a relaxed pace

The experience at Kiwi Park Queenstown is unhurried and soothing—perfect for families. Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours wandering the paths, catching daily keeper talks, and pausing to watch birds forage, preen, and interact. Much of the park is sheltered by mature, native greenery, so it’s pleasant even on sunny days, and several key experiences are indoors or covered, making it a good option when Queenstown’s weather turns moody.

You’ll receive a map on arrival and see a board with the day’s talk and feeding times. Audio guides or app-based information are often available so you can learn as you go at a pace that suits your family. There are plenty of benches and quiet spots to rest small legs and enjoy the birdsong.

Family-friendly facilities

Tickets and opening hours: The park is open daily, with slight seasonal variations in hours. Kiwi feeding times and the conservation show schedule also vary. Check the official website or call ahead to plan your visit and confirm the day’s timetable.

Toilets and baby changing: Clean restrooms are available near the entrance, including baby-changing facilities—very handy when you’re on the move with little ones.

Stroller and wheelchair access: Paths are generally well maintained and suitable for prams and most wheelchairs. There are some gentle slopes, so a bit of pushing is needed in spots. If accessibility is a priority, ask staff for the best route to minimize hills.

Food and drink: You can usually pick up coffee, cold drinks, and simple snacks on site, and there are picnic-friendly corners if you’ve brought your own bites. For a bigger meal, you’ll find dozens of cafés and restaurants a short walk away in town.

Gift shop: A sweet place to pick up kiwi-themed souvenirs and meaningful gifts that support conservation.

Rain or shine: The kiwi house and other indoor habitats make this an excellent rainy-day activity. Pack a light jacket or layer—Queenstown weather can flip quickly.

The star of the show: meeting the kiwi

Seeing a kiwi in real life is an emotional moment for many travelers. These flightless, nocturnal birds are unlike anything else: whiskery faces, powerful legs, and long beaks with nostrils at the tip (so they can sniff out insects in the leaf litter). They’re also rare and vulnerable, with threats from habitat loss and introduced predators. Kiwi Park’s purpose-built nocturnal houses create a natural, dark habitat that flips day and night, making it possible to see kiwis active during your visit.

Tips for families to get the most from the kiwi experience:

Timing is everything: Try to coincide your visit with one of the scheduled kiwi feeding sessions. Keepers share fascinating facts while the birds forage, and you’ll have your best chance of a clear view.

Move quietly and be patient: The kiwi house is dark to mimic night-time, and noise travels. Encourage kids to tiptoe, whisper, and let their eyes adjust. The payoff is magical when a kiwi pads out of the shadows.

Respect the rules: No photography is typically allowed inside the kiwi house (especially no flash) to protect the birds’ sensitive eyes. Staff will guide you if you’re unsure.

Ask questions: The keepers love curiosity. From how kiwis care for eggs to how chicks are raised, their answers bring the conservation story to life.

Beyond the kiwi: other native stars

New Zealand’s birds evolved without mammalian predators, and many are gentle, curious, and wonderfully quirky. Kiwi Park introduces you to species you might otherwise never see up close, including:

Kea: These super-smart alpine parrots are famous for their curiosity and problem-solving. Watch them investigate and play with enrichment items—it’s a window into their brilliant minds. Kea are classified as nationally endangered, and the park helps spread the word about how to live alongside them responsibly.

Kākā: A close relative of the kea, the forest-dwelling kākā has a rich, rolling call and graceful flight. They’re a joy to watch in spacious aviaries, where you can appreciate their social interactions and warm, earthy plumage.

Ruru (morepork): New Zealand’s native owl is small, wide-eyed, and beloved. Keeper talks often feature nocturnal habits and the haunting call that gives the morepork its English name.

Kākāriki (parakeets): Green, lively, and bright-eyed, these parakeets are often the first to win over younger visitors. They’re fast, cheeky, and excellent ambassadors for native forest restoration.

Kererū (wood pigeon): Big, iridescent, and rather regal, the kererū is a vital seed disperser in native forests. Seeing one up close gives you a new appreciation for this New Zealand icon.

Tuatara and native lizards: Tuatara aren’t technically lizards—they’re the last surviving members of an ancient reptile lineage. Meeting one is like time-travel. Alongside tuatara, you may encounter other native reptiles that share stories of resilience and careful protection.

You’ll also notice smaller pleasures: the rustle of leaves as tiny birds forage, the shiver of fern fronds, a fantail flicking by. In places like Kiwi Park, the line between “exhibit” and living forest softens, and kids quickly tune in to the subtle, calming rhythms of the bush.

Keeper talks, conservation shows, and hands-on learning

A highlight of visiting Kiwi Park is the schedule of informative, engaging talks led by the animal care team. These sessions turn a pleasant stroll into an eye-opening lesson about the challenges native species face and how each of us can help.

• Kiwi feeding sessions: See the birds at their most active and learn about their unusual biology, breeding, and care.
• Conservation show: Often a free-flight or interactive-style presentation featuring a mix of species, this show is designed for all ages and packed with conservation takeaways that stick.
• Reptile encounters and other talks: Depending on the day, you might meet a tuatara, see birds demonstrating natural behaviors, or learn about predator control and habitat restoration.

If your family likes structure, plan your visit around these times. If you prefer a looser pace, you can still catch one or two talks as you wander. The combination of seasoned keepers, close viewing, and easy explanations makes difficult topics accessible for kids without being scary.

How your visit to the Kiwi Park Queenstown helps

Most of the species you’ll meet at Kiwi Park Queenstown are protected, and many are threatened in the wild. Your entry ticket supports animal care, breeding programs, habitat restoration, and education. Staff work alongside national conservation agencies and networks, contributing to coordinated efforts to protect vulnerable birds and reptiles. It’s a feel-good day out with real impact.

Practical tips for families

Best time to visit: Mornings are often quieter; late afternoons can also be peaceful. Check the day’s schedule for kiwi feedings and the conservation show and aim to arrive a little before.

How long to allow: 1.5 to 2 hours is typical, longer if you like to soak it all in.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, layers for changeable weather, a water bottle, and curiosity. A small snack for the kids is handy, though you can also pick up treats on site.

Photography: Take all the photos you like outdoors and in open aviaries, but follow staff guidance on where photos aren’t allowed (especially in the kiwi house).

Strollers and naps: The paths are pram-friendly and shaded. There are benches if someone needs a rest or a snack break.

Respecting the animals: Encourage gentle voices and slow movements. It makes a big difference—wildlife feels safer, and you’ll see more natural behavior.

 Parking tips

Central Queenstown parking is limited and mostly pay to use. Near Kiwi Park Queenstown, you’ll find:

• Paid parking at the Skyline Gondola multi-storey car park
• Paid parking bays on and around Brecon Street (time limits apply) like the Man Street car park.
• Additional paid car parks in the town centre within walking distance.

If you’re visiting during weekends or holidays, plan to arrive earlier in the day for easier parking. Many families choose to walk or bus from their accommodation to avoid parking altogether. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, contact the park ahead of time for the most accessible parking options nearby and up-to-date advice.

Combining Kiwi Park with other Queenstown activities

One of Kiwi Park’s advantages is its location. It’s next door to the Skyline Gondola, so you can pair a morning of wildlife with an afternoon of stunning views and luge rides—an easy, exciting day for families. The lakefront is a short walk away for an ice cream, or a visit to the underwater observatory. And the Queenstown Gardens offers flat paths perfect for scooters and prams. Because Kiwi Park doesn’t require a full day, it fits neatly into a flexible itinerary.

Seasonal notes

Queenstown shines in all seasons, and Kiwi Park does too. Summer brings lush foliage and longer hours to linger. In autumn, the town glows in golds and reds; the park’s green bush feels even richer by contrast. Winter visits are especially cozy—on cold mornings, the park can feel extraordinarily peaceful, and the kiwi house offers a sheltered, atmospheric experience. In spring, new growth and lively birdsong add to the sense of renewal.

Booking and prices

Admission options usually include adult, child, and family passes. Peak periods (school holidays, Christmas–New Year, and major events) can be busy, so booking ahead is wise. Schedules, prices, and any special encounters can change, so check for the most accurate details.

Why Kiwi Park is a must-do for families

• Location without compromise: You get a genuine wildlife experience without leaving town, which is gold when you’re juggling naps, snacks, and ever-changing plans.
• Learning that feels like play: Keeper talks and close-up viewing transform conservation into stories kids remember and retell.
• The kiwi moment: Watching a kiwi snuffle in the leaf litter is pure magic. It’s one of those New Zealand experiences that anchors a trip and gives kids a hero to care about.
• A legacy you can feel: Knowing this sanctuary grew out of determination and hard work adds heart to the visit. Your family becomes part of that story simply by showing up, listening, and caring.

Final thoughts

Kiwi Park is the kind of place that invites you to slow down. It’s green and gentle, a world away from the adrenaline Queenstown is famous for—yet just steps from it. Whether you’re introducing your children to New Zealand’s wildlife for the first time or finally seeing a kiwi yourself, the park wraps big ideas—like preservation and kaitiakitanga (guardianship)—in warm, family-friendly moments. Pack your curiosity, take your time, and enjoy one of Queenstown’s most quietly beautiful experiences.