Tuatara, also known as the "living dinosaur," has a third eye under its skin and can be spotted at Zealandia.

Zealandia is a beautiful sanctuary valley located minutes from downtown.

Rare and highly endangered animals such as tuatara (a "living dinosaur" with a third eye under its reptilian skin), flightless takahē and little spotted kiwi live in the 225-hectare park. A secure fence keeps out invasive non-native species like stoats, rabbits and rats.

Birds such as the kaka and morepork (New Zealand’s only surviving native owl) fly in and out of the area freely. 

Visitors can encounter friendly wildlife up close via trails open to hikers of all levels and also accessible by wheelchair.

Recommended: guided night tours to see nocturnal species, such as the kiwi.

Zealandia, End of Waiapu Road, Karori; +64 (0)4 920 9200;