The Parrot Place Kerikeri: Complete Visitor's Guide to Northland's Bird Sanctuary

Experience over 300 exotic birds in a beautiful subtropical garden setting with interactive experiences and photo opportunities

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!

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."

- Sarah T., Wellington
★★★★★

"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!"

- James L., Sydney

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:

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!

Frequently Asked Questions about The Parrot Place

What are the opening hours for The Parrot Place?
The Parrot Place is open 7 days a week from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Last entry is at 3:30pm to ensure visitors have enough time to enjoy the experience. The attraction is open year-round, including most public holidays (closed only on Christmas Day). During peak summer season (December-February), hours may be extended to 5:00pm.
How much does it cost to visit The Parrot Place?
As of 2025, admission to The Parrot Place costs $25 for adults, $15 for children (5-15 years), and $65 for a family pass (2 adults and up to 3 children). Children under 5 enter free. Seniors and students with valid ID receive a 10% discount. Annual passes are also available for $65 per adult or $150 for families, offering unlimited visits throughout the year.
Are there interactive experiences with the birds?
Yes, The Parrot Place offers several interactive experiences. Visitors can feed the lorikeets with special nectar provided at the entrance (additional $5 fee). There's also a walk-through aviary where friendly birds may land on your shoulders or hands. Daily bird shows at 11:30am and 2:00pm feature trained parrots performing tricks and natural behaviors. For an additional fee of $25, you can book a 'Parrot Encounter' experience where you can hold and take photos with some of the larger, trained birds under staff supervision.
How long does a visit to The Parrot Place typically take?
Most visitors spend between 1-2 hours at The Parrot Place. This allows enough time to walk through all the aviaries, participate in a bird show, and enjoy the interactive experiences. Those who want to take their time, take lots of photos, or participate in additional activities like the Parrot Encounter might spend up to 3 hours. The subtropical gardens surrounding the aviaries are also worth exploring and can extend your visit.
Is The Parrot Place suitable for children?
The Parrot Place is very family-friendly and popular with children of all ages. Kids particularly enjoy the interactive experiences like feeding the lorikeets and the walk-through aviary. The bird shows are entertaining and educational for children, and there's a dedicated children's area with a playground and picnic facilities. For very young children, parental supervision is required as some birds can be quite loud or may occasionally nip if approached incorrectly.
Are there food and drink options at The Parrot Place?
The Parrot Place has a small café called 'The Nest' serving coffee, tea, cold drinks, ice cream, and light snacks such as sandwiches, muffins, and cookies. There are also picnic areas where visitors can enjoy their own packed lunches. The café features a deck overlooking one of the larger aviaries, allowing you to enjoy refreshments while watching the birds. For those seeking a full meal, there are several restaurants and cafés within a 5-minute drive.
Is The Parrot Place wheelchair accessible?
Yes, The Parrot Place is largely wheelchair accessible. The main pathways through the gardens and around the aviaries are flat, wide, and either paved or covered with compacted gravel suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The walk-through aviary has wheelchair access via a ramp. The café, gift shop, and restrooms are all accessible. Some of the more remote parts of the gardens have narrower paths that may be challenging for wheelchairs. Accessible parking spaces are available close to the entrance.
Can I take photographs at The Parrot Place?
Photography for personal use is not only allowed but encouraged at The Parrot Place. The colorful birds make excellent subjects, and there are many photo opportunities throughout the sanctuary. Flash photography is permitted except during the bird shows, as it can startle the performing birds. For professional or commercial photography, prior arrangement with management is required. The 'Parrot Encounter' experience offers the chance to take close-up photos with some of the larger, more colorful birds.

Make The Parrot Place Part of Your Kerikeri Adventure

Stay at Kerigold Chalets and enjoy easy access to The Parrot Place and other Kerikeri attractions.

Book Accommodation Call 09 407 3200 Email Us
Family Packages Kerikeri Attractions Guide

The Parrot Place Location