Fodor's Expert Review Staglands Wildlife Reserve

Staglands offers visitors the opportunity to feed and freely interact with animals in a beautiful natural environment. As you wander around its 25 peaceful acres, you'll follow its weaving trails around rivers, forests, and paddocks. Take a tip-toe through the aviaries, and you'll be rewarded with famously funny encounters with the native kea and kaka parrots. At the stables, you'll meet goats, highland cows, and native kunekune pigs, who are always happy to exchange more petting for feed. If you want the complete cozy homestead experience, you can take a tractor-trailer ride or roast marshmallows on the outdoor fire pit. Be sure to also explore the nooks of the re-created Old Bush Settlement. Here, you may just stumble upon the whimsical wonderland of the secret garden. Take a climb to the Deer Park lookout and finish your visit with stunning views.