Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre is a conservation and education centre on Paradise Valley Road, in Ngongotahā Valley outside Rotorua. Watch New Zealand falcons, or kārearea, and harriers, or kāhu, fly during a falconry display, then see birds at close range in their aviaries. Talks and optional meet-and-greet and behind-the-scenes experiences add more context about the birds and their care. The centre also has a mini-museum. Your visit supports its work rehabilitating injured wild birds and breeding falcons for release.
Falcons, harriers and owls
Wingspan is in Ngongotahā Valley, at 1334 Paradise Valley Road, outside Rotorua. The centre focuses on New Zealand birds of prey, including the kārearea, or New Zealand falcon, and the kāhu, or harrier. You can also see ruru, known as morepork, and barn owls.
The flying display puts the birds’ speed and movement in view as they swoop and dive over the surrounding farmland. Handlers explain the birds during the presentation. The display is weather-dependent, so check its status before planning your visit around it.
Conservation and close-up experiences
Wingspan rehabilitates injured wild birds and breeds falcons for release. Its work is aimed at restoring New Zealand birds of prey, with particular attention to the threatened kārearea. Admission supports the centre’s conservation work.
After the display, you can observe birds in their aviaries and visit the mini-museum. Meet-and-greet sessions and behind-the-scenes tours are additional ways to learn about the birds and their care. These experiences can bring you closer to a resident bird, but the specific bird and activities depend on the session.
Planning your visit
The centre is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 1 pm, and closed on Monday. It has free parking and wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance. Payment is cash-only, so bring cash if needed; debit and credit cards are also listed as accepted, so check payment options before you go.
Wingspan is a good fit for families and anyone curious about native wildlife. For a quieter visit, aim for early in the day or a weekday. If the falconry display is your priority, confirm that weather conditions allow it to go ahead.
FAQ
Where is Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre?
It is at 1334 Paradise Valley Road in Ngongotahā Valley, outside Rotorua.
Can I see a flying display at Wingspan?
The centre runs falconry displays with birds such as kārearea and kāhu. Displays depend on the weather.
What birds can I see at Wingspan?
The centre has New Zealand falcons, harriers, ruru or morepork, and barn owls.
Is Wingspan accessible?
The centre has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking.
