Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
Nga Manu Nature Reserve
(
www.ngamanu.co.nz
;
281 Ngarara Rd; adult/child/family $15/6/35; 10am-5pm)
Waikanae's main visitor
attraction, Nga Manu Nature Reserve is a 15-hectare bird sanctuary dotted with picnic
areas, bushwalks, aviaries and a nocturnal house with kiwi, owls and tuatara. The eels are
fed at 2pm daily, and guided tours run on weekends at 2pm (Sunday only in winter). To
get here, turn seawards from SH1 onto Te Moana Rd and then right down Ngarara Rd and
follow the signs.
WILDLIFE RESERVE
Tuatara Brewery
(
www.tuatarabrewing.co.nz
;
7 Sheffield St, Paraparaumu; 11am-7pm Wed-Sun)
Visit the oldest and most
famous of Wellington's craft breweries at its industrial-estate premises where you can en-
joy a tasting along with simple bar snacks (biersticks, pizza…) or preferably go on an en-
lightening tour of the brewery with Mr McInness, raconteur ($30, including tasting tray).
BREWERY
Southward Car Museum
(
www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz
;
Otaihanga Rd; adult/child $13/3; 9am-4.30pm)
This museum has one
of Australasia's largest collections of antique and unusual cars. Check out the DeLorean
and the 1950 gangster Cadillac.
MUSEUM
Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours
( 04-905 1001;
www.kapitibirdtours.co.nz
;
2hr tours $35)
The Waikanae Estuary is a hot spot for
birds, with around 60 species visiting during the year. You can expect to see around 20 on
these personalised outings with a passionate guide, which end with a cup of tea and a
freshly baked scone ($25 without refreshments).
ECOTOUR
Hemi Matenga Memorial Park
This 330-hectare native reserve overlooking Waikanae contains a large remnant of ko-
hekohe forest. The reserve rises steeply from 150m to its highest point, Te Au (514m), a
hike of around four hours. There are a couple of other tracks including the Kohekohe
Walk, an easy 30-minute amble on a well-formed path. Access is off Reikorangi Rd,
Waikanae.
WALKING
Sleeping & Eating
