Night Walks

Our night walks season runs from April to July each year, as this is the best time to hear kiwi calling to each other.

Tickets are on sale now at www.eventfinda.co.nz via the links below:

Come along and learn about our local kiwi population and the work being done by our amazing volunteers to protect our national icon and other native taonga (treasures).  Please be aware that it is unlikely that you will see a wild kiwi on this walk – they tend to run a mile when they hear a dozen humans coming down the path!  However, kiwi calls are heard on most night walks, as well as other birds such as weka and ruru (morepork).  There’s also plenty of other things to see – such as wētā, tunnel web spiders, harvestmen, peripatus, glow-in-the-dark fungi and glow worms!

In 2023, we will be running night walks on Friday nights alternating between Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve each week.  We will also be running special kids discovery night walks once a fortnight on Thursday nights in Mokorua Bush.  The kids walks start at the earlier time of 5.30pm and are aimed at children aged between five to eight years.

Please note that a reasonable level of physical fitness is required as we will be going off the public tracks. Whilst the Trust team will have first aid kits, please bring any personal medication you may require (e.g. asthma inhalers).   Also, don’t forget to wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear (e.g. NOT jandals!) and bring a torch, some snacks, a drink and a camera!

Please be aware that it is very unlikely that you will see a wild kiwi on this walk – they tend to run a mile when they hear a dozen humans coming down the track!

Cancellation Policy:

Due to limited ticket numbers, we request all cancellations are made at least 48 hours before the scheduled walk. This gives us the opportunity to fill your space with another member of the public.

Cancellations made within 48 hours or more will be processed with a full refund. Failure to notify via email, text or phone within the 48 hour time period will mean a forfeit of the full amount of the ticket(s) purchased.

In the event of poor weather or unforeseen circumstances, the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust reserves the right to cancel a walk. This will be notified by a phone call to those people who have booked on the walk.  You will be refunded the full value of your tickets, but you will need to rebook for another session.

Book Tickets

Ōhope Scenic Reserve

Book Tickets

Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve

Book Tickets

Kids Night Walks of Discovery

Self-Guided Walk

At any time of the year you can do the self-guided Fairbrother loop walk during the day or at night. If you can’t make it to one of our public night walks during the season, we highly recommend taking this self-guided map and exploring Ōhope Scenic Reserve at night!