Rotokare Night Tours - Family Nights

Looking for a fun and educational activity that the whole family can enjoy this winter school holiday? Come on down to Rotokare Night Tours for an unforgettable adventure!

As you explore the reserve's trails, our expert guides will introduce you to New Zealand's most fascinating nocturnal creatures - including kiwi, ruru, mokomoko, wētā, kōura and more - and share their knowledge about these unique animals and their habitats.

With fun facts and stories specially tailored for kids, our tours are the perfect way to keep the little ones entertained while also exposing them to the wonders of the natural world.

Plus, we're offering discounted "family tickets," so you can bring everyone along for an evening of magical exploration!

What to Expect

At 6pm, we will welcome you into our Education Centre, run through our health & safety requirements, and introduce you to our special taonga here at Rotokare. Following this, we will head out into the wild for 90 minutes, depending on what wildlife we encounter.

Rotokare is home to more than 300 kiwi, an abundance of ruru, titiwai/glowworms, mokomoko/lizards, wētā, tuna/eels, kōura/crayfish, and other nocturnal critters. These are wild animals in their natural habitat – viewing cannot be guaranteed.

In our experience, groups that are very quiet are more likely to have wildlife encounters.

For private group bookings, contact us on educator@rotokare.org.nz (minimum numbers and pricing will apply).

What to bring

• Warm, layered clothing and accessories (it can get chilly here)

• Wet weather jacket

• Sturdy walking boots or gumboots

• White light torch (for visibility)

• OPTIONAL red-light torch (for kiwi viewing)

Ticket Prices

This event is specially tailored to families, so only a single ticket option is avaliable.

• Family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) - $52

An eventbrite booking fee applies.

Please note: When booking your tickets, if less than 10 tickets show on the drop down box, these are the only remaining tickets. If this number is less than your group size, you will not be able to book in all of your group for that date.

Location & Travel Times

The approximate travel times to Rotokare Scenic Reserve, Sangster Road, Rawhitiroa are:

• Stratford: 25 -30 minutes

• Hāwera: 30-40 minutes

• New Plymouth: 80-90 minutes

Please plan your journey to arrive at Rotokare Scenic Reserve by 6pm.

You will enter the reserve through a set of double gates.

Please check your vehicle for potential stowaway pests (rats & mice) before you enter the reserve.

Remember to drive slowly into the reserve, keeping a sharp eye out for wildlife.

Animals

No animals and pets are allowed at Rotokare Scenic Reserve (not even in your car!).

Parking

There is ample hard parking at Rotokare after the cattle stop. Please do not drive up to the Education Centre.

Toilets

Public toilets are available on-site.

Where to find us

Our education building is up the steep driveway to the right of the first car park.

Plase arrive before 6pm

Terrain

Mostly flat terrain, suitable for children aged 4 and above. The walk is leisurely, approximately 2 km on a formed track. May be muddy at times.

Own Risk

The reserve is a natural wildlife area. It can be very dark at night. Instructions for your own health & safety will be given at the start of the tour.

Our guides are trained to prioritise your safety.

By joining this tour, you agree to take personal responsibility for your own safety and that of children in your care. Children must be supervised at all times.

Your health is important to us. Only attend if you are well.

Event Cancellation

In extreme weather, the event may be cancelled.

We will decide if cancellation is required by 24 hours before the scheduled start. In this case, we will refund 100% of your ticket price. Booking fee is non-refundable.

Ticket Cancellation

(In the unlikely event that you no longer want to attend this fantastic tour)

To cancel your booking email educator@rotokare.org.nz

A full refund of the ticket price will be given up to 7 days prior to the event. The booking fee is non-refundable.