News

Our popular Pūkaha Junior Rangers Holiday Programme, perfect for nature lovers aged 6–12, is back and ready for the April school holidays!

Thurs 9 April, Tues 14 April and Thurs 16 April

Join Toby Cantwell on 19 April, 10am – 2pm, for a free workshop and be part of the solution! Learn practical trapping skills that will benefit your local ecosystem, including proper techniques and equipment for effective pest control on your property and in your wider community.

Have a Pūkaha summer Stick your beak into Pūkaha this summer – it's Family Fun for all! Spend the summer exploring nature at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, with heaps of fun for the whole whānau. Join us until 8 February 2026 as we celebrate an awesome summer at...

Colour in to win a Pūkaha Family Pass! Download the competition form using the buttons below. Bring your finished Colouring Competition when you visit Pūkaha - locals get half price entry, so bring the whole family! This summer we're featuring: Kids treasure hunts...

Pūkaha Wild Weekend – Our inaugural celebration of Nature and Conservation! Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October 2025 (Labour Weekend)Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre proudly hosts its inaugural Pūkaha Wild Weekend! Join...

The Pūkaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Sanctuary has been saved from the brink of closure with the help of the Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Trust.

Pūkaha Mount Bruce Board has reached a heads of agreement with Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā which will allow the wildlife centre to stay open while both organisations work together on developing sustainable long-term business models.

2025 will mark 15 years of Pūkaha’s much-loved annual fundraiser – the Wairarapa Garden Tour!

To celebrate, we’ve launched it with a new look and an expanded array of gardens.

Sign up or renew your Pūkaha membership and be in to win a Once-in-a-Lifetime Kiwi Release Experience!

2024 Community Open Day
We are excited to invite you to our Annual Community Open Day:
Saturday, October 26th, 2024!

It will be a day packed with educational talks, interactive experiences, and a chance to connect with conservation and sustainability organisations from both local and national levels.

2024 marks 14 years of Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre’s much-loved annual fundraiser – the Wairarapa Garden Tour, Nov 9 & 10

Visit Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre on a day trip from Wellington or within the Wairarapa!

2022 marks 12 years of Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre’s much-loved annual fundraiser – the Wairarapa Garden Tour. This two-day, self-drive tour will feature 15 beautiful gardens in South Wairarapa.

Bird news  Despite the winter cold, there's been plenty happening with our feathered friends!The little pīwakawaka has been very busy lately, snapping up treats out the front of the Visitor Centre to show off to his potential new lady. There are signs all around that...

Wairarapa Garden Tour – Pūkaha's major fundraiser   by Rachael Dell Photos contributed by wairarapagardentour.co.nz Spring is a wonderful time of year to get outside, see new sights and re-energise in nature. The weather’s usually a little warmer, the sun is out for...

When the weather is cold and sometimes wet, what do you do with the kids? Here are five fun winter kids activities you can enjoy at Pūkaha.