Natureland Wildlife Trust represents a modern era in conservation and education. This small but passionate wildlife park boasts a big heart and a clear mission, as Tom and Jordan Tasman discover when they visit.
Unexpectedly tucked away on the edge of Tahunanui Beach Reserve in Nelson, Natureland isn’t your typical zoo – it’s a wildlife haven deeply focused on conservation, rehabilitation, and community education.
Home to a beguiling mix of native and exotic animals, from tuatara and kea to playful meerkats, wallabies, kune kune pigs, and friendly farm animals you can meet up close, it presents a world where engaging with animals, alongside learning about them, is all part of the journey.
A highlight of visiting Natureland is its Animal Encounters, which allows visitors to get closer to some of the Park’s residents while learning from the keepers who care for them. These encounters are thoughtfully designed and informative, never rushed, and really allow you to appreciate each animal’s personality and the role they play in the ecosystem.
We had the chance to meet the meerkats, who are full of personality and mischief, constantly alert and bustling about their enclosure; and also the iconic kea – the cheeky, highly intelligent alpine parrot native to New Zealand. Watching them interact, problem-solve, and cheekily try to outsmart their keepers was an absolute delight. These experiences aren’t just cute photo opportunities; they’re a chance to connect with the animals on a deeper level, understand their individual stories, and gain a real sense of what’s at stake in their protection.
Natureland Wildlife Trust is a community focused conservation charity. Behind the scenes of helping people connect with and understand the importance of animals and conservation, the team focuses on the protection and recovery of native species, with breeding programmes and habitat protection. The goal is to be a vibrant community hub where conservation and education come together. Mission accomplished.
Natureland are actively involved in vital conservation work, including a Breed for Release programme which helps boost populations of vulnerable native species. Working in close collaboration with organisations like the Department of Conservation and iwi partners, they breed and raise birds such as the pāteke (brown teal), kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet), and pāpango (New Zealand scaup), with the goal of releasing them back into their native habitats.
It’s inspiring to know that a visit to the park directly supports these efforts to protect and restore native wildlife across Aotearoa, and that by simply turning up, you’re helping to make a difference.
Natureland also offers easy and meaningful ways to get involved. Visitors can donate online through the website (natureland.nz), sponsor an animal of their choice (a great gift for grandkids or animal lovers), or simply contribute by visiting the park and spreading the word. Every bit goes toward caring for the animals, improving habitats, and funding the important conservation projects that are at the core of Natureland’s mission.
Visiting Natureland is a wonderful experience for all ages, fun and interactive, but also deeply rewarding.
