Nature Parks and Native Species in Rotorua NZ
Flightless Kiwi and Prehistoric Tuatara in Tranquil Natural Habitats
Close to the city and easily accessible, Rotorua’s nature parks are set amid tranquil natural surroundings. Fern-fringed walkways are well marked and paved and mostly suitable for pushchair and wheelchair access. Crystal clear water streams from natural springs. The nature parks are a pleasure to visit, and time should be taken to enjoy the peaceful environment where the focus is not only on tourism, but also on the conservation of New Zealand’s native species.
Encounter Kiwi in a Simulated Natural Environment
Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs is the only purpose-built kiwi conservation centre in the world that is open to the public. Proceeds from entrance fees go towards conservation activities, helping to prevent the extinction of New Zealand’s emblematic bird, threatened in the wild by introduced species, human encroachment and pesticides. Each year, kiwi chicks are raised and released back into the wild. The enclosures at Kiwi Encounter are maintained in as natural an environment as possible while still allowing viewers to enjoy watching these large, flightless birds. At night, visitors can view the birds in an open area simulated to resemble their own natural habitat as closely as possible.
Tuatara are New Zealand’s Living Dinosaurs
Tuatara can be so profoundly motionless that it is hypnotising to watch them. The viewer sits on an emotional cliff-edge waiting for the blink of a reptilian eye, the swish of a scaly tail. Suddenly – nothing happens! These living fossils have survived in New Zealand for more than 100 million years. Following the introduction of rats into New Zealand however, the tuatara has been threatened with extinction. Now surviving in the wild only on offshore islands, these relics of nature can be viewed at Rainbow Springs in glassed-in areas that preserve as near as possible their natural environment.
Native Birds in Natural Enclosures, Pools and Streams
Forest and water birds can be seen and enjoyed at close quarters both at Rainbow Springs and at Paradise Valley Springs. The kereru is one of the world’s largest pigeons and was once a valuable food source for both Maori and Europeans. On the endangered list since 1921, it is now illegal to hunt these birds and most of other native species. Other birds include the bellbird with its mellifluous song, the white-throated tui, owl-like morepork and the mischievous weka that will beg or steal scraps. Various duck species paddle about on the clear streams and ponds throughout the parks.
Trout are Easily Seen in Spring-Fed Crystal Clear Streams
Trout are not native to New Zealand but the hospitable environment has allowed them to thrive, and New Zealand is now a world-renowned trout fishing destination. Rainbow and brown trout can be found athletically cruising the spring-fed streams at both Rainbow Springs and Paradise Valley Springs. While they can be fished during specific seasons in the wild, the trout in Rotorua’s nature parks are not available to the fisherperson.
Pride of Paradise Valley Springs
At Paradise Valley Springs there is the added bonus of a pride of lions, a feature of the park since the 1970s. An especially designed enclosure allows visitors to get up close with the lions, and when there are cubs available, visitors are permitted to pat and photograph them.
Rainbow Springs, Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua, New Zealand. 64 + 7 3500 440, info@rainbowsprings.co.nz Open daily 8am – late. Kiwi Encounter: Guided tours every hour between 10am and 4:00pm. Bookings are recommended as numbers are limited.
Paradise Valley Springs, 467 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua, New Zealand. 64 + 7 348 9667, info@paradisev.co.nz. Open daily 8:00am until dark with last ticket sales at 5:00pm.
Viewing the trout at Rainbow Springs
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