Frequently Asked Questions
Anytime is a great time to visit National Kiwi Hatchery and learn about our conservation efforts, kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques, and kiwi chick rearing.
To see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks you are best to visit during hatching season, between the months of September and March.
Between April and August there may not be eggs or chicks to see on site, but our resident adult kiwi will be foraging in our Nocturnal House for you to observe.
You need to book in advance for all hatchery tours. Places are limited so we encourage you to book online through our website or call 0800 724 626. We cannot guarantee a place if you don’t book in advance.
If you need to reschedule your booking, please call 0800 724 626 and we will try to place you on another tour.
For cancellations, you are eligible for a refund if you contact us 24 hours before your booking departure time.
If you are going to be late for your tour, please contact us as soon as possible and we will discuss options with you.
If you are unable to call us and arrive late, we will try to reschedule your tour for the next available departure or reschedule for another day. You are not eligible for a refund if you arrive late.
It is essential that you make a booking for your open dated ticket. The space on tours is limited. Please book online through our website or call 0800 724 626 or email reservations@nationalkiwihatchery.org.nz to secure your space. We cannot guarantee a place if you don’t book in advance.
Yes. The National Kiwi Hatchery gift shop offers a range of kiwi inspired gifts and National Kiwi Hatchery merchandise. You will also find a selection of gifts and merchandise at Agrodome’s Dog and Whistle Shop.
National Kiwi Hatchery is only accessible as a guided experience.
Please check in at the reservations desk at Agrodome 20 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
You will be transported by shuttle a short distance to the National Kiwi Hatchery where you will begin your tour. There are visitor toilets at the hatchery.
At the end of your tour, you will have time to visit the National Kiwi Hatchery gift shop before being transported back to Agrodome.
Please allow up to 1hour 40mins for the tour and transportation to and from the hatchery.
Allow 1 hour 40 minutes for your tour, including transportation.
To ensure the utmost safety and well-being of both our guests and the kiwi in our care, we cannot allow infants or children under 5 years on the National Kiwi Hatchery Tours.
The minimum age for the Behind-the-Scenes Exclusive Tour is 12 years.
Children 14 years of age and under must be accompanied at all times by a responsible guardian or caregiver aged 16 years or over.
Kiwi are sensitive to both sound and light, therefore we do not allow any photos or videos to be taken of the kiwi in the Nocturnal House or in the hatchery.
Manuhiri (visitors) joining us on the exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes’ experience may get the opportunity to take a photo of a kiwi chick during its health check, but this is managed on a case-by-case basis by our experienced kiwi keepers and determined by chick wellbeing. Please follow the instructions of your host.
Kiwi hatching season is September to March. During these months you'll get to see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks. Between April and August there may not be eggs or chicks to see on site, but our resident adult kiwi will be foraging in our Nocturnal House for you to observe.
Only our fully trained and certified kiwi hatchery staff are permitted to hold / touch kiwi.
If you have additional accessibility requirements, please contact our reservations team so we can ensure we support you during your visit to the hatchery. Our reservations team can be reached on 0800 724 626 or via email reservations@nationalkiwihatchery.org.nz
Yes. Please visit our donations page https://www.nationalkiwihatchery.org.nz/donate/ or email sponsorships@nationalkiwihatchery.org.nz
If you are interested in volunteering, please email our reservations team reservations@nationalkiwihatchery.org.nz