Auckland Zoo - Te Wao Nui

Comprising more than a fifth of Auckland Zoo’s 17ha footprint, Te Wao Nui is made up of six zones that reflect the distinctly different landscapes of New Zealand.

“Previously, the zoo’s focus was on exotic species and their conservation,” explains Auckland Zoo Director, Jonathan Wilcken. “For Te Wao Nui, the attention is shifting to the extensive work the team has been doing behind the scenes with native species.

“New Zealand species are a bit like New Zealanders,” he says. “They don’t like to trumpet about how flash they are. But Te Wao Nui tells some amazing stories of rescue and conservation. We have some of the most evolutionarily distinctive and endangered species in the world here.”

Sixty species of animals and more than 100 species of plants are on display in zones that highlight our varying ecosystems.

New Zealand’s 15,000km of coastline is reflected in The Coast habitat. The existing sea lion and sea bird enclosures have been incorporated into Te Wao Nui and other native birds will gradually be introduced.

The Islands zone illustrates how offshore sanctuaries played a critical role in preserving New Zealand’s unique wildlife. Species that have been wiped out on the mainland have survived in isolation on these tiny rugged spots offshore.

The Wetlands habitat recreates a critically endangered part of New Zealand’s landscape. Jonathan explains that nearly 90% of New Zealand’s natural wetland areas have been destroyed since humans arrived.

The Night habitat showcases our nocturnal stars – kiwi, as well as the huge Kauri snail, cave wetas and the short-tailed bat.

The zoo’s native aviary has reopened as The Forest. The lush bush setting is home to tui and bellbirds, alongside kereru and kaka. Jonathan says creating authentic, tranquil spaces was critical to the success of Te Wao Nui. “We needed to create spaces that people want to spend time in.”

The national tour finishes in the High Country – a space capturing the sparse beauty of the South Island. Spiky tussock, schist rock formations, a replica back country hut and a rapidly flowing ‘alpine’ stream is home to blue duck, weka, takahe and notoriously cheeky kea.

“This development is so important, not only for visitors, but for New Zealanders,” Jonathan says. “Many Kiwis spend most of their lives in urban settings, so it’s great to give them the opportunity to rebuild connections with the real New Zealand.”