1 / 3Wildlife Foxton Trust
π Foxton Beach, Manawatu-Wanganui
Wildlife Foxton Trust is an ecological education centre at Foxton Beach where visitors handle non-native reptiles, explore estuarine habitats through Marine Metre Square citizen science, and learn from knowledgeable volunteer educators. Sessions run at least 90 minutes.
Had an AMAZING tour around the Foxton Wildlife Trust today. It's like no place we've been to before, and we're kinda connoisseurs of animal parks. Never before have I held a lizard of any kind, and here we were encouraged to get up close and personal with the wildlife (although we understandably weren't allowed to hold the native species). I've always been an animal person, but more of the furry kind. But now I'm a convert to reptiles. These guys were so chill, and loved to snuggle in. Maybe our next pet will be a lizard! And we'll be doing all we can now to create lizard-friendly spaces in our back yard. This place isn't large, but the staff are really knowledgeable and friendly, and the entry fee is great value for what you get! It'd be an amazing place for a school trip (in smallish groups). So wonderful to see someone championing the less popular and visible animals of our native species. Turns out they're actually rather charismatic after all!
π Family Action Verdict
An outstanding choice for curious school-age children and families who want something more immersive than a typical zoo. Reviewers who describe themselves as "connoisseurs of animal parks" say they have never been anywhere quite like it. The intimate scale and passionate guides create an experience that regularly converts visitors into reptile enthusiasts.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β19 Google reviews
Leah Cameron
3 years ago
βHad an AMAZING tour around the Foxton Wildlife Trust today. It's like no place we've been to before, and we're kinda connoisseurs of animal parks. Never before have I held a lizard of any kind, and here we were encouraged to get up close and personal with the wildlife (although we understandably weren't allowed to hold the native species). I've always been an animal person, but more of the furry kind. But now I'm a convert to reptiles. These guys were so chill, and loved to snuggle in. Maybe our next pet will be a lizard! And we'll be doing all we can now to create lizard-friendly spaces in our back yard. This place isn't large, but the staff are really knowledgeable and friendly, and the entry fee is great value for what you get! It'd be an amazing place for a school trip (in smallish groups). So wonderful to see someone championing the less popular and visible animals of our native species. Turns out they're actually rather charismatic after all!β
Elliott Henderson
2 years ago
βLoved our visit yesterday. Thank you Caitlin for your entertaining guided tour which we really appreciated, and all learnt something from. Highly recommend stopping in here to hear all about our native reptiles. A hidden gem.β
J R
2 years ago
βCaring knowledgeable keepers. They have much more species than I thought ! Great information and also have native plants for sale and tips on how to make your yard more appealing for native gecko and lizard species π¦πβ
Venkata Narasimhan
2 years ago
βIt is a great place where kids can learn about reptile conservation and habitats. It is run by highly motivated volunteers. Would love to visit again with kids.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
Led by a team of dedicated ecologist volunteers, this trust offers close-up reptile encounters β reviewers describe being encouraged to handle geckos and lizards that snuggle in calmly. Guided tours cover native reptile conservation, local fauna and flora, and the Papangio Te Wharangi Manawatu Estuary. Native plants are available to purchase with advice on creating backyard habitats. The centre also runs Marine Metre Square citizen science activities and mini Bioblitz data collections. Groups of eight or more need two weeks' notice for educator arrangements.
