Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary

Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Queen Charlotte Sound at the head of the Picton Harbor. It is the city’s mainland island sanctuary and is located just a few minutes from Picton by boat. The sanctuary is most noted for its scenic views, lush green cover, hills and the fact that it is home to New Zealand’s unique birdlife, makes its more special.

Tui, kereru, bellbird, South Island robin, kingfisher, fantail and little blue penguins are some of the birds (including shore birds) found at the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary. The island is also used as a ‘creche’ for rowi kiwi; before introducing the chicks to Okarito, which is located on the west coast of the South Island, they are left in the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary so that they can learn how to live in the wild.

Kaipupu is a result of a community project that was brought up with a task to preserve wildlife by creating a safe haven.

While on the island, make sure you cover the every inch of the 2.7 km walking track that take you through beautiful native bush and incredible views