The Kiwi House at Otorohanga is popular, particularly with overseas visitors, because of the opportunity to see kiwi. But for me, the best thing about visiting the Kiwi House is being able to see tuatara.
For those who arent familiar with our tuatara, they are reptiles which look lizards. However, they are the last members of the order Rhynchocephalia and are endemic to NZ. They predate the dinosaurs!
After arriving at the Kiwi House, you will quickly get to see kiwi, along with a wide variety of birds and reptiles. You will eventually find yourself in NZs largest aviary. Yes, there are wonderful birds to see but the best part round a bend in the path and finding a tuatara sitting at your feet. I have had a chat with four tuatara there and am fortunate to know where to look for them. If you dont manage to see one, ask a staff member for help and they will point you in the right direction.
being able to get down to their level and take photos is the best experience ever and one you cannot get in any other country.
