These flightless birds, with their vibrant blue and green plumage, have become a symbol of successful wildlife conservation. After being thought extinct for nearly 50 years, takahē were rediscovered in 1948 in a remote valley of the South Island. Since then, intensive efforts have been made to protect and increase their population.
Today, these efforts allow visitors the unique opportunity to observe takahē in their natural habitats and specially designated sanctuary sites.
To plan your visit and learn more about where you can meet a takahē, explore the map and locations below.
Takahē wild locations
You may be fortunate to come across a takahē in the wild in the following locations
If you ever see a takahē in the wild, report your sighting.
Murchison Mountains (Te Puhi-a-noa), Fiordland National Park
Known as the ‘Murchies’ these mountains are regarded as the home of the takahē. They hold the largest population and being the site of rediscovery in 1948, it is origin of all known takahē alive today.
The area is in Fiordland National Park, across the lake from Te Anau. It has over 50 thousand hectares of tussock and beech clothed mountains and valley floors. While a very harsh landscape, even for takahē, it’s the inhospitable nature and isolation that kept introduced pests out long enough for takahē to survive.
As of 2024, the population is estimated to be around 240 birds.
Kahurangi National Park, Nelson/Tasman
Takahē were released into the Gouland Downs area of Kahurangi National Park in 2018 to create a second wild population across the wider national park area. As of 2024, there are up to 20 takahē in the park, with pairs living around the Gouland Downs and Saxon Huts. Birds are also often seen at both Perry and Mackay huts, enjoying the tasty green grasses that surround the hut areas.
You might see a takahē on the Heaphy Track.
Upper Whakatipu, Otago
Takahē were returned to Upper Whakatipu in 2023. The Greenstone Valley floor, where the first twenty-eight birds were released, is part of a Ngāi Tahu-owned farm. The plan is to release more takahē into neighbouring areas to expand the population. The Upper Whakatipu habitat is dominated by pasture grass, red tussock, and beech forest.
You might stumble across a takahē while walking the Greenstone and Caples tracks.
A sub-adult named 'Mahia' at Gouland Downs, Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park
Image: © Jake Osborne | Creative Commons
Takahē sanctuary locations
Outside of the wild populations, takahē live at sanctuary sites. Sanctuary sites are open to the public, except for Burwood Takahē Centre and two privately owned islands.
Takahē at public sites are our ambassadors, providing opportunities for you to admire and learn more about these amazing 'pre-historic' looking birds.
Auckland Zoo
The public can view takahē up close at Auckland Zoo.
Burwood Takahē Centre
The centre was purpose built in 1985 as an incubation and hand rearing facility and is famous for historically using puppets and models to rear takahē chicks. It is not open to the public.
Cape Sanctuary
Cape Sanctuary is a privately-owned and funded 2,500-hectare restoration site situated on three properties on the Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Peninsula.
Kapiti Island
Only an hour from Wellington, the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve has a unique environment populated with birds and wildlife rarely seen on the mainland. It's open to the public.
Mana Island
Mana has a long history with takahē recovery. It was the first secure island site to start helping takahē breed. It remains one of the most productive sites. Mana Island is open to visitors between 8 am and 5 pm.
Mana Island Scientific Reserve
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Maungatautari is known as a mainland island and located in the Waikato. It's open to the public.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Orokonui Ecosanctuary
The ecosanctuary is a biodiversity project near Dunedin where multiple species of plants and animals are protected from predators. It's open to the public.
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
The centre is an unfenced sanctuary for native wildlife in the Wairarapa. It's open to the public.
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
Punanga Manu O Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is located on the shores of Lake Te Anau and is open to the public.
Punanga Manu O Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary
Located a 90-minute drive north of Auckland the sanctuary encompasses the Tāwharanui Peninsula. It's open to the public.
Tiritiri Matangi, Motutapu, Rotoroa islands
Takahē are found on predator free islands in the Hauraki Gulf including Tiritiri Matangi, Motutapu, and Rotoroa islands. The public can visit the islands.
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
Located in Taupō this golf course and sanctuary is open to the public.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Located in Christchurch this reserve is open to the public.
Zealandia
Zealandia is a conservation project and attraction in Wellington where the biodiversity of 225 ha of forest is being restored. It's open to the public.
