Karori Wildlife Sanctuary product reviews

There are animals, native to our land, who can only be found on the mainland in cages or glass boxes. Their only real freedom is to be found out on Department of Conservation isolated island sanctuaries, which are just a tad difficult (and expensive) to visit as a day-trip. For those with the money, and inclination, to go to such lengths, the visits are often worthwhile as they get to see native birds flitting through the trees as they once did over much of our land over a century ago.

Well, now anyone can do it, and you don't have to take a boat to do it. You can take a train, or a bus, or a car. In Karori you will find the most spectacular place I have visited in the last decade. I took my family for a wander around, and was priviliged to be escorted some of the way by one of the most knowledgable staff, who started our tour by taking us up the lower lake on a nifty little electric boat. Both eco-friendly and quiet, the boat allowed us to still hear the chorus of beautiful birdsong echoing off the valley walls.

After our delightful 10 minute boat trip we started a hike that could easily have taken us all day, but was restricted by our travel plans to a mere few hours... which was simply NOT enough time to really take it all in. With literally kilometres of walking and hiking tracks to wander around, and the whole lot full of native birds, kiwis and the occasional tuatara, there is plenty of incentive to spend the whole day out in the bush.

Overall, though I would love to go on and on about the wonders to be found, it would take way too long, so I would highly recommend you check out their website and see what there is to be found at this wonderful nature preserve. It suffices to say that if the weather holds good, you should devote a day to visit this place... if you have any interest in unspoilt nature, eco-preservation, or just enjoying a tramp in the outdoors, this will enthrall you. And the best bit... it's right here in our own back yard!