Staglands Wildlife Reserve is a hands-on animal park in the valleys north of the capital, in the Upper Hutt area, and it is one of the few places near Wellington where children can be at ease around animals rather than just watching them from a distance. Visitors wander through bush-lined paths and open paddocks, meeting native birds alongside deer, goats and other animals, and food for the animals is usually sold on site so that visitors can feed some of them. The experience is relaxed and unscripted, with no timetable to follow. It is a good choice for a family on a clear day who want a few hours outdoors away from the harbour and the museums, and it fits neatly into a day that also includes the Wairarapa or the Remutaka range.
What to do
Pick up a map at the entrance and follow the paths at your own pace, stopping wherever an animal comes to the fence. Take feed if it is offered, because the reserve works best when visitors interact. Native birds are a highlight for overseas travellers, and the reserve gives you a closer look than you will usually get in the wild. Keep younger children close around the larger animals and follow the signs about what may be fed.
Planning
The entry ticket is listed as a two to three hour experience. Opening times and feed arrangements can change by season, so confirm them on the day you plan to visit. A car is the easiest way to get there, because public transport reaches only part of the way and the reserve lies off the main road, so build the drive into your plan. Bring sturdy shoes, because paddocks and paths can be muddy after rain, and carry a rain jacket, since the valley weather can differ from the city.
Fitting it in
Allow half a day including the drive. The reserve suits families with children of almost any age and anyone who enjoys animals more than museums. It works as the first stop on a day heading north or east of the city, and it pairs naturally with the Remutaka Rail Trail or a drive into the Wairarapa. If the weather is poor, choose Te Papa or the zoo instead, because most of the experience here is outdoors.
What to expect
The experience
A relaxed walk-through reserve with bush paths, paddocks and close encounters with animals.
Best time
Choose a dry day and aim for the morning, when animals are usually most active.
How long
Plan two to three hours on site, plus the drive from the city.
Tips
Bring sturdy shoes and a rain jacket, and take cash or a card for animal feed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families who want to get close to animals in a relaxed outdoor setting.
- Families
- Children of almost any age enjoy the hands-on feel and the open paddocks.
- Couples
- Less suited to couples unless you love animals, but a pleasant outdoor stop.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Remutaka Rail Trail or a Wairarapa day out.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours, plus the drive.
Good questions
How long should I allow?+
The entry ticket is described as a two to three hour experience, plus the drive from Wellington.
Where is Staglands?+
It is in the valleys north of Wellington in the Upper Hutt area. A car is the easiest way to reach it.
Can I feed the animals?+
Animal feed is usually sold on site, but check the rules at the entrance about what may be fed and where.
Is it good for young children?+
Yes, the relaxed paths and close animal contact suit most ages. Keep little ones close around larger animals.
What if it rains?+
Most of the experience is outdoors and paths can be muddy, so choose a dry day or bring waterproofs and sturdy shoes.
