Aroha Island Eco/Kiwi Preserve

The authentic way to see a wild Kiwi in its natural habitat is at night. Ever poked around a Kiwi reserve at night? Spooky Kiwi calls are absolutely riveting. Know anyone who’s seen a wild Kiwi on the North Island? Few people know Aroha Island exists.

Aroha Island is presently your best and easiest chance to see a wild Kiwi. This small Ecological Preserve, on the northern edge of the Kerikeri inlet, has only one road leading onto it. Predators have been eradicated and Kiwis flourish.

Accommodations include a lodge, cottage, and bunkhouse. Camping is $15pp with hot showers. Click for details details.

The center now hosts guided nighttime Kiwi tours, but they assure me that you can still self-tour the paths if you’d like. Come night, wait a couple of hours, then get your torch ready with some red cellophane. Leave your camera at camp (I had permission to try to take a photo for this guide, but I was warned that if a flash goes off, all the Kiwis disappear. Sure enough, I got the photo, but all the Kiwis and their calls vanished.) You don’t need a photo…when you see one you’ll never forget! The caretakers say the chance of seeing one is above 50%, especially if you go late at night and are patient. Sit on the path…hear the eerie calls…listen for a rustle and scratching…EXCITING!

Hire kayaks and swimming are the daytime activities on the island.