Zealandia, Nature reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.
Zealandia is a nature reserve in Wellington encompassing a reservoir and diverse ecosystems protected by a specialized fence. This barrier keeps non-native predators out, allowing the natural habitats within the valley to thrive under controlled conditions.
The site was originally a water catchment area before transforming into a wildlife sanctuary through a foundation established in 1995. This shift marked the beginning of a long-term effort to restore the valley to its pre-human settlement condition.
The sanctuary is named after a local Māori legend and represents a commitment to restoring what the landscape once held. Walking through the pathways, visitors encounter birds and other creatures that are central to New Zealand's natural identity.
The reserve is open daily to visitors and features walking trails suitable for different fitness levels throughout the valley. Wearing weatherproof clothing and setting aside time to explore the various habitats will enhance your visit.
The sanctuary operates under a restoration plan spanning hundreds of years to return the valley to conditions before human settlement. This unusually long timeframe allows forest and freshwater systems to slowly recover their natural patterns.
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