Mount Bruce travel guide

There is a nocturnal kiwi house that rates among the best in the country and leaves you in no doubt as to the numerous threats which this national icon faces in the modern world. Other highlights include the eel feed at 1330 and the kaka feed at 1500. The wild eels live in the stream running through the reserve and gather beneath the bridge at feeding time in a swirling mass. This particular species, native to New Zealand, is far larger than the average eel and lives up to at least 80 years. The kaka is a cheeky and at times raucous native bush parrot. There is a small colony at Mount Bruce that have been bred in captivity and now live wild in the area. They all have names and will quite happily nibble your hair or your ear before cracking open a peanut with their powerful beaks. If you go to the feeding area just before 1500 they will usually be hanging about in the trees, available for interviews and photographs. Within the main building there are some fine displays, a shop and a café.