Looking for a unique wildlife experience in Kerikeri?
The Parrot Place is open 7 days a week (10:00am-4:00pm) - just a 10-minute drive from Kerigold Chalets!
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Essential Info
- Location: 1 Inlet Road, Kerikeri
- Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm daily
- Admission: Adults $25, Children $15
- Phone: (09) 407 5349
- Website: theparrotplace.co.nz
- Family-friendly: Yes, great for all ages
The Parrot Place in Kerikeri is a hidden gem of the Bay of Islands and one of Northland's most unique wildlife attractions. This family-owned bird sanctuary is home to over 300 exotic birds from around the world, set in a beautiful subtropical garden that showcases the natural beauty of the region.
As a Kerikeri local who has visited The Parrot Place numerous times with both family and out-of-town guests, I can tell you that this attraction offers something truly special. It's not just a collection of birds in cages – it's an interactive experience where you can get up close with some of the world's most intelligent and colorful avian species in a natural, peaceful setting.
What makes The Parrot Place special is the obvious passion the owners have for their birds. Many of the residents have been hand-raised, resulting in friendly, sociable birds that genuinely seem to enjoy human interaction. The sanctuary focuses on conservation and education, with knowledgeable staff always ready to share fascinating facts about the different species and their natural habitats.
About The Parrot Place
The Parrot Place has been delighting visitors to Kerikeri for over 20 years, evolving from a small private collection into one of Northland's premier wildlife attractions:
The Parrot Place Experience
- Bird Paradise: Home to over 300 birds representing more than 40 different species
- Natural Setting: Beautiful subtropical gardens with walking paths and seating areas
- Interactive: Opportunities to feed, hold, and photograph various bird species
- Educational: Informative displays and knowledgeable staff to answer questions
Visitor Information
Best Times to Visit
- Morning (10:00am-12:00pm): Birds are most active and vocal, perfect for photography
- Early Afternoon (12:00-2:00pm): Catch the 2:00pm bird show featuring trained parrots
- Late Afternoon (2:00-4:00pm): More relaxed atmosphere, birds often more interactive
How to Get There
The Parrot Place is conveniently located and easy to find:
- Address: 1 Inlet Road, Kerikeri 0230
- From Kerigold Chalets: 10-minute drive (5.5 km)
- From Kerikeri Town Center: 5-minute drive (3.2 km)
- From Paihia: 25-minute drive (23 km)
Look for the colorful parrot signs along Inlet Road. Free parking is available on-site.
Bird Species at The Parrot Place
The Parrot Place is home to an impressive variety of exotic birds from around the world:
Featured Bird Species
Macaws
- Blue and Gold Macaw - Known for their striking colors and intelligence
- Scarlet Macaw - With brilliant red, yellow, and blue plumage
- Green-winged Macaw - One of the largest parrot species
- Hyacinth Macaw - The world's largest flying parrot with deep blue feathers
- Blue-throated Macaw - A rare and endangered species
Cockatoos
- Sulphur-crested Cockatoo - Known for their yellow crests and playful personalities
- Moluccan Cockatoo - With salmon-pink plumage and expressive behavior
- Galah - The distinctive pink and grey Australian native
- Black Palm Cockatoo - Rare and impressive with their large black beaks
Other Parrots
- African Grey - Famous for their exceptional talking ability and intelligence
- Eclectus - Known for their striking sexual dimorphism (males are green, females are red)
- Amazon Parrots - Several species with vibrant green plumage
- Rainbow Lorikeets - Colorful nectar-feeding parrots
- New Zealand Kākā - A native parrot species
Other Birds
- Toucans - With their distinctive large, colorful bills
- Hornbills - Large birds with impressive casques on their bills
- Various finches and smaller birds in the walk-through aviaries
Conservation Focus
The Parrot Place participates in conservation efforts for several endangered parrot species. They provide educational information about the threats these birds face in the wild, including habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. By visiting, you're supporting their conservation work and helping to raise awareness about these issues.
Interactive Experiences at The Parrot Place
Things to Do
The Parrot Place offers several ways to interact with the birds:
- Walk-through Aviary: Enter a spacious aviary where friendly birds may land on your shoulders or hands
- Lorikeet Feeding: Purchase nectar ($5) to feed the colorful rainbow lorikeets
- Bird Shows: Daily presentations at 11:30am and 2:00pm featuring trained parrots performing natural behaviors
- Parrot Encounter: For an additional fee ($25), hold and take photos with some of the larger, trained birds
- Garden Walks: Stroll through the beautiful subtropical gardens surrounding the aviaries
- Photography: Capture stunning close-up images of some of the world's most colorful birds
The Nest Café offers refreshments and light snacks that you can enjoy while watching the birds.
Visitor Favorites
- Having a rainbow lorikeet perch on your arm while feeding it nectar
- Watching the macaws solve puzzles during the bird show
- Hearing the cockatoos talk and mimic sounds
- Taking photos with the friendly blue and gold macaw during a Parrot Encounter
- Observing the intricate social behaviors between bonded bird pairs
Tips for Visiting The Parrot Place
Making the Most of Your Visit
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Birds may occasionally land on shoulders or arms, so avoid wearing your best clothes
- Bring a Camera: The colorful birds make for excellent photo opportunities
- Allow Enough Time: Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the experience
- Follow Staff Instructions: For your safety and the birds' wellbeing
- Visit on a Sunny Day: The birds are often more active and the gardens more enjoyable
- Bring Cash: For additional experiences like lorikeet feeding or Parrot Encounters
"The Parrot Place was the highlight of our Northland trip! Our children were thrilled to feed the lorikeets and have birds land on their shoulders. The staff were knowledgeable and clearly care deeply about their birds. We spent nearly 3 hours here and could have stayed longer."
"As a bird enthusiast, I was impressed by the variety of species and the excellent condition of both the birds and their enclosures. The walk-through aviary was magical, and the bird show was both entertaining and educational. A must-visit attraction in Kerikeri!"
The Parrot Place Location
The Parrot Place is located at 1 Inlet Road, Kerikeri:
Where to Stay Near The Parrot Place
Make the most of your Kerikeri bird sanctuary experience by staying at Kerigold Chalets. Our accommodation offers:
- Just 10 minutes' drive to The Parrot Place
- Peaceful orchard setting that complements your nature experience
- Comfortable, self-contained chalets perfect for families
- Central location to explore other Kerikeri attractions
- Knowledgeable hosts who can provide local insights and recommendations
Many of our guests combine a visit to The Parrot Place with other nearby attractions like Rainbow Falls and the Stone Store for a perfect Kerikeri day trip!