Pukaha National Wildlife Centre is a national reserve centre for wildlife located in Mt Bruce, Masterston. If travelling from Palmerston North, it is a one-hour easy drive to the place.
Pūkaha is a wonderland of native wildlife and bushwalks, as described on their website and this is so true. At the centre, you can see the wildlife, go on guided tours, or self-guided tours.
What to expect at the centre are easy and gentle tracks through bush of native trees and providing views of a variety of NZ wildlife, see Kahurangi the kōkako, she is the only one of her kind in capitivity globally, visit the free-flight aviary, learn about Māori atua (gods) and whakapapa (ancestry), watch how Māori carving is done, watch and learn about tuna eels or go on the 4-km easy track walk called Pukaha Loop Track Walk.
Entry into the centre cost NZ$24 for adults for self-guided walks but if you will be requiring a guide to go with you, budget from NZ$50. Night tour is NZ$80 (valid at the time of this post).
The loop track walk is fit for all ages. There are some steep ascent and descent along the tracks but nothing that weak knees and sore backs cannot handle. Note, there are no bins or toilets on this track. Allow about 2 hours to complete the walk and wear comfortable shoes.
Trust me when I say you will love it there. I’ve done the loop track walk twice. First time was by myself and the second time was with my friend and colleague, Leena.
During my first time, I didn’t go through the redwood but I made sure to do it my second time and yo!! It is beautiful.
The highlight of the track is the lookout point where you see the whole Te Tapera Nui o Whatonga.
Find out more on their website.
