Attraction
Skyline Queenstown
Queenstown's gondola climbs from the top of Brecon Street to Bob's Peak, where a viewing complex, restaurant, café and two luge tracks look over Lake Wakatipu.
Kiwi Park Queenstown
A family-run wildlife park just below the Skyline Gondola, home to more than 20 native species and the easiest place in Queenstown to see kiwi.
At a glance
- Type
- Native wildlife park
- Area
- Brecon Street, Queenstown, New Zealand
- Official site
- kiwibird.co.nz
Good to know
- Nocturnal kiwi house
- Conservation show
- Honey Bee Centre
- Private tours
Why we recommend it
Kiwi Park Queenstown is a small, family-owned wildlife sanctuary at the top of Brecon Street, just below the Skyline Gondola base station. Clearing of the site began in 1984 on what had been a rubbish tip, and the park has been operating since 1986. Today it covers about five acres and is home to more than 20 species of New Zealand wildlife, including the kiwi that give it its name.
For most visitors the main attraction is the specially designed nocturnal house, where you can watch kiwi in low light. Kiwi Encounters run several times a day, with wildlife staff explaining how the birds live and the threats they face. Away from the kiwi house you can see kea, kererū, the Antipodes Island parakeet and the Otago skink, along with other birds and reptiles.
The 30-minute Conservation Show is worth timing your visit around. It runs daily and focuses on the park's conservation work and the native species it cares for. There is also a Honey Bee Centre where you can learn about bees and taste New Zealand honey, and private tours can be booked. A share of the proceeds from the park's café and gift shop supports its conservation work.
The park suits families with younger children, first-time visitors who want to see native species they are unlikely to spot on a hike, and anyone with a spare hour or two before or after the gondola. A self-guided experience is available at any time during opening hours.
Opening hours change with the seasons: in summer the park stays open into the early evening, while in winter it closes earlier, and the last entry is 45 minutes before closing. It is open seven days a week and closed on Christmas Day. Check the website for the day's Kiwi Encounter and show times, since the schedule differs between seasons. One published timetable lists eight Kiwi Encounter sessions a day and another seven, both starting at 10am, so there is usually one within the hour. Tickets can be booked online. The park is a few minutes' walk uphill from the town centre, next to the gondola, so it combines easily with Skyline Queenstown and the Tiki Trail.
Kiwi Park Queenstown FAQs
Where is Kiwi Park?
It is at 51 Brecon Street, just below the Skyline Gondola base station, a short walk uphill from the town centre.
Can you see real kiwi at Kiwi Park?
Yes. Kiwi live in a specially designed nocturnal house, and staff run Kiwi Encounter sessions several times a day.
What other animals live at the park?
The park has more than 20 native species, including kea, kererū, the Antipodes Island parakeet and the Otago skink.
Is there a show?
Yes. A 30-minute Conservation Show runs daily. Times vary by season, so check the website.
What are the opening hours?
The park opens at 9.30am every day. In summer it closes at 6.30pm with last entry at 5.45pm, and in winter at 5pm with last entry at 4.15pm. It is closed on Christmas Day.
How long has Kiwi Park been open?
Clearing of the former rubbish tip site began in 1984, and the park has been operating since 1986.
Is there anything else to do there?
The Honey Bee Centre offers honey tasting, and private tours can be booked.
Is Kiwi Park good for children?
Yes. The kiwi house and daily Conservation Show work well for younger visitors.