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Things to see and do at Staglands
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The friendly animals, native birds and wonderful surrounding wildlife at Staglands are only part of the experience and journey around the park.
As you wander through the carefully created walkways of our wildlife reserve and interact with all the animals you will find children’s play areas, picnic tables and indoor and outdoor BBQ area’s, a river with a swing bridge, Donkey cart rides, waterfalls, ponds and bush walks.
Each area is different. From the Wetlands to The Barn, from the Old Bush Settlement to The Tarn, and right through to the Secret Garden, your path becomes a journey.
Staglands is constantly evolving. It changes with the seasons and with time which means that no two visits will ever be the same!
Some of Staglands special features and attractions…
The Café
The café is a great place to unwind after your look around the park or if you are driving though the valley, stop and enjoy a coffee or light lunch. Click here for more information on the café
The Barn
Staglands is a uniquely beautiful location and The Barn is an ideal venue for any special occasion or celebration. The Barn has been designed for small or large groups and can hold up to 150 people.
The Barn is available during the day for all park visitors. It’s great for picnics or small groups and there are BBQ facilities which can be used free of charge. It is also ideal for birthday parties, engagement parties, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas parties, corporate functions, or anything else you may have in mind.
To find out more, including costs to hire The Barn exclusively click here.
We have a liquor license until 12:00am and catering options available. If you would like to book The Barn during the day or as an evening venue please contact us for further details.
BBQ Areas
All BBQ’s can be used free of charge.
Adjacent to the Café is a delightful covered barbecue and seating area, which is ideal for family or group picnics. There are also BBQ facilities at The Barn, which is a wonderful venue for groups small or large.
Cart Rides
During the weekends, public holidays and school holidays we harness Jack the donkey to a cart and take him down to the stables for rides. The rides run from 11.30am to 3:30pm (weather permitting). The rides are supervised with a park ranger who leads the donkey and cart around a walking track. At a cost of $3 per ride, it’s a great additional attraction for everyone at the park.
Forest Wetlands
The forest wetlands area has been extensively vegetated and provides shelter and breeding sites for a range of native and introduced waterfowl including Mute Swans, Canada Geese, Graylag Geese, Grey Teal, Brown Teal, Scaup (Black Teal), NZ Shovelers, Mandarin Wood Ducks, Grey Ducks, Paradise Ducks (NZ Shelduck) and the Australian Shelduck.
The Old Bush Settlement
This area is a nostalgic recreation of an abandoned Akatarawa bush settlement giving a unique view of the life led by the pioneers during the early settlement of New Zealand. Have fun exploring all the nooks and crannies of this unique old settlement including the jail house where you can get some fun photos of friends and family locked up in the Village Pillory! The Settlement is a fantastic backdrop for photography enthusiasts and a great Wellington bushwalk.
The Tarn
Leaving the Old Bush Settlement you will be pleasantly surprised. The Tarn is a picturesque open water feature. The kids can have a fun ride on the bush railway and walk the boardwalks looking for black swans and paradise ducks who make their home here.
The Deer Park & Staglands Lookout
As you walk up into this area you will see the rolling hills overlooking Staglands and the watchful gaze of the fallow deer roaming the hills. Be greeted by the peacocks, Guinea fowl and a rather friendly goat.
If you trek to the top of the hill, you will be greeted with a stunning view of Staglands. Check out where you have been and where you go from here. You will be watched as you come and go by the Cape Barren Geese
Kids Play Area
This is where the kids can release some energy and have even more fun! The flying fox is their favorite and it is Dad’s job to retrieve it ready for the next go. There is a beautiful view of the river. The deep, slow moving pool is ideal for swimming.
The Secret Garden
Recently re-landscaped, the Secret Garden has a new look and in this magical place you will find most of the friendly animals here will come to be fed if you are quiet and patient. They include silky bantams, rabbits and fantail pigeons. We also have the new goldfish pond and as you exit the garden there is the wishing well, so get ready for your wish to come true!
Turtle pond – this is a new area that is currently being developed and will be an exciting addition to The Secret Garden
Visitor map of Staglands coming soon...
As you walk through the park you will encounter Staglands’ native birds, trout and eel, Kune Kune pigs, Auckland Island pigs, Fallow Deer, Donkey’s, Ben the Clydesdale, and other birds and wildlife.
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