Visit a takahē

Takahē wild locations

You may be fortunate to come across a takahē in the wild in the following locations

If you ever see a takahē in the wild, report your sighting.

Murchison Mountains (Te Puhi-a-noa), Fiordland National Park

Known as the ‘Murchies’ these mountains are regarded as the home of the takahē. They hold the largest population and being the site of rediscovery in 1948, it is origin of all known takahē alive today.

The area is in Fiordland National Park, across the lake from Te Anau. It has over 50 thousand hectares of tussock and beech clothed mountains and valley floors. While a very harsh landscape, even for takahē, it’s the inhospitable nature and isolation that kept introduced pests out long enough for takahē to survive.

As of 2024, the population is estimated to be around 240 birds.

Kahurangi National Park, Nelson/Tasman

Takahē were released into the Gouland Downs area of Kahurangi National Park in 2018 to create a second wild population across the wider national park area. As of 2024, there are up to 20 takahē in the park, with pairs living around the Gouland Downs and Saxon Huts. Birds are also often seen at both Perry and Mackay huts, enjoying the tasty green grasses that surround the hut areas.

You might see a takahē on the Heaphy Track.

Upper Whakatipu, Otago

Takahē were returned to Upper Whakatipu in 2023. The Greenstone Valley floor, where the first twenty-eight birds were released, is part of a Ngāi Tahu-owned farm. The plan is to release more takahē into neighbouring areas to expand the population. The Upper Whakatipu habitat is dominated by pasture grass, red tussock, and beech forest.

You might stumble across a takahē while walking the Greenstone and Caples tracks.

A sub-adult named 'Mahia' at Gouland Downs, Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park
Image: © Jake Osborne | Creative Commons

Takahē sanctuary locations

Outside of the wild populations, takahē live at sanctuary sites. Sanctuary sites are open to the public, except for Burwood Takahē Centre and two privately owned islands.

Takahē at public sites are our ambassadors, providing opportunities for you to admire and learn more about these amazing 'pre-historic' looking birds.

Auckland Zoo

The public can view takahē up close at Auckland Zoo.

Auckland Zoo

Burwood Takahē Centre

The centre was purpose built in 1985 as an incubation and hand rearing facility and is famous for historically using puppets and models to rear takahē chicks. It is not open to the public. 

Burwood Takahē Centre

Cape Sanctuary

Cape Sanctuary is a privately-owned and funded 2,500-hectare restoration site situated on three properties on the Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Peninsula. 

Cape Sanctuary

Kapiti Island

Only an hour from Wellington, the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve has a unique environment populated with birds and wildlife rarely seen on the mainland. It's open to the public.

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve

Mana Island

Mana has a long history with takahē recovery. It was the first secure island site to start helping takahē breed. It remains one of the most productive sites. Mana Island is open to visitors between 8 am and 5 pm.

Mana Island Scientific Reserve

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Maungatautari is known as a mainland island and located in the Waikato. It's open to the public.

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

The ecosanctuary is a biodiversity project near Dunedin where multiple species of plants and animals are protected from predators. It's open to the public.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

The centre is an unfenced sanctuary for native wildlife in the Wairarapa. It's open to the public.

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

Punanga Manu O Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

This bird sanctuary is located on the shores of Lake Te Anau and is open to the public.

Punanga Manu O Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary

Located a 90-minute drive north of Auckland the sanctuary encompasses the Tāwharanui Peninsula. It's open to the public. 

Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary

Tiritiri Matangi, Motutapu, Rotoroa islands

Takahē are found on predator free islands in the Hauraki Gulf including Tiritiri Matangi, Motutapu, and Rotoroa islands. The public can visit the islands. 

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary

Located in Taupō this golf course and sanctuary is open to the public.

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Located in Christchurch this reserve is open to the public.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Zealandia

Zealandia is a conservation project and attraction in Wellington where the biodiversity of 225 ha of forest is being restored. It's open to the public. 

Zealandia