Rainbow Springs Nature Park

Rainbow Springs Nature Park was a wildlife attraction on Fairy Springs Road in Rotorua, known for native birds, reptiles, trout pools and its kiwi house. Its paths led through native bush and aviaries, with a Big Splash water ride and play areas for children. The park is now listed as permanently closed, so you cannot plan a visit there. If you are researching Rotorua’s former attractions, its kiwi hatching and conservation work were among its distinctive features.

The park’s wildlife and kiwi work

Rainbow Springs opened in 1932 and became known for encounters with New Zealand wildlife. Its grounds included native bush, free-flight aviaries, trout pools and animal exhibits with information about the species. Birds and reptiles were among the animals on display, including tuatara, a reptile native to New Zealand.

Kiwi were the park’s defining draw. Rainbow Springs had been involved in kiwi conservation since 1975, and its Kiwi Encounter included a working nursery and hatchery where birds were raised before release into the wild. The nocturnal enclosure gave visitors a chance to see kiwi when they were active. Photography and video were not permitted in the hatchery.

Family attractions and closure

Alongside the wildlife exhibits, the park had play areas, interactive learning activities and the Big Splash water ride beside the cafe. A bird show and guided tours were also part of the visitor experience. The park was easy to explore on foot, and a full visit was reported to take less than three hours for many visitors.

Rainbow Springs Nature Park is listed as permanently closed. Its former address was 192 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua. Check the park’s website for current information before relying on older descriptions of its attractions or planning a visit.