The wetlands and the regenerating lowland forests that make up the Karori Sanctuary, provide the ideal setting for these rare native animals to thrive in. The Sanctuary is protected by an 8.6 kilometre long unique predator-proof fence that keeps away any non-native animals who seek a home in this area; Possums to hedgehogs and other non-native mammals are kept away from this forested valley area whilst it is home for endangered native animals such as the spotted kiwi, the hihi, the tuatara, the giant weta and the saddleback.
The Karori Sanctuary is run under the management of Karori Sanctuary Trust. It is a non-profit organization led by the community and it has a unique 500 year vision. They aim to restore this area, which is part of New Zealand’s mainland, to resemble as closely as possible to its original status – how it used to be ‘the day before humans arrived’.
The trust was established in 1995, and was one of the best projects that dealt with the needs arising in conservation and recovery of indigenous wildlife of the country. Through the Karori Sanctuary this attempt has been an immense success and the 700 year decline was successfully reversed. Though initially the concept of the trust was considered drastic, it is now considered a breakthrough in native wildlife recovery.
The Sanctuary is open to the public through the Zealandia – the Karori Sanctuary Experience. It functions 364 days of the year and is the perfect way to experience the conservation attractions. It is also one of the main revenue sources for the trust.
Visitors to Wellington will be greeted by a range of attractions to make the holiday the most memorable. Those seeking accommodation in this part of New Zealand will find that many a hotel in Wellington such as Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay come with modern amenities and attentive service. You can book your Wellington New Zealand hotel, or any other kind of accommodation through online lodging option providers.
