Visit

Visiting the Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Orokonui Ecosanctuary is open to visitors from 9.30am to 4.30pm daily except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Entry into our Visitor and Education Centre and Pa Harakeke is free of charge. 

We offer guided tours twice daily, morning and afternoon. We also have a twilight tour on Tuesday and Sunday evenings. However, group sizes are kept small so bookings are recommended. Our walking tracks are open for self-guided walkers allowing our visitors to explore at their own pace.

Getting to Orokonui Ecosanctuary is easy. You can come by car over the hill from Port Chalmers or from Dunedin via the Northern Motorway and Waitati. Or take the Orokonui Express, a half-day train excursion from Dunedin, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.  Transport can also be arranged for groups.

We also offer group visits which can be customised according to needs and time available. Our resident experts are very happy to talk about their specialist field.

Every week there is more to see at the Ecosanctuary. Here are just a few examples of the species that now call Orokonui home.

The visitor facilities at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary are extensive. But if you are intending to join us for a guided tour please read our visitor information section first so you are adequately prepared.

For information about plant species in the conservation land: Download PDF