Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Perched on a sunny hillside overlooking the blues of Blueskin Bay, Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a 307-hectare haven where New Zealand’s prehistoric-looking wildlife thrives behind a predator-proof fence. This is your best chance to see the iconic kiwi, the ancient tuatara, and the comical takahē in a wild setting – all while walking through a remnant of the forests that covered this land before humans arrived. The sanctuary’s name, meaning ‘place of the mist’ in Māori, hints at the ethereal experience of stepping into a living time capsule.

Highlights & What to See

• Kiwi spotting: Join a guided twilight tour to see the rare Haast tokoeka kiwi foraging in the leaf litter.
• Birdlife bonanza: Keep an eye out for the vibrant kākā, the acrobatic rifleman, and the cheeky weka along the tracks.
• Tuatara encounter: The sanctuary’s tuatara are often basking on sunny rocks – a living fossil from the age of dinosaurs.
• Takahē: These large, flightless birds with vivid blue-green plumage are a conservation success story; they roam freely in the sanctuary.
• Walk the canopy: The steep 45-minute Beech Forest Track leads to a lookout with sweeping views of the coast and the sanctuary’s forest canopy.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is ideal: arrive mid-afternoon to explore the network of short walks (30 minutes to 2 hours), then stay for the evening kiwi tour (book ahead). If you’re a keen birdwatcher, you could easily spend a full day here, especially if you take a guided tour. The sanctuary is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm, with the kiwi tour starting at dusk.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Blueskin Bay: A short drive away, this estuary is great for birdwatching and a peaceful walk along the beach.
• Purakaunui Falls: A stunning 20-metre waterfall in the Catlins, about 30 minutes south – perfect for a photo stop.
• Dunedin: The city is just 20 minutes south, offering Victorian architecture, the Otago Peninsula’s albatross colony, and excellent cafés.
• Waikouaiti: A historic coastal village with a charming beach and the Hawkesbury Lagoon, a haven for waterfowl.

Please check official sources for current details.