Diary Page

December 2006

Get a bird’s-eye view from our new Viewing Tower!

The Sanctuary’s newest visitor attraction is now open. The 10m-high viewing tower, which commands stunning views across the Sanctuary’s regenerating bush and lakes, is almost certainly the only one of its kind in existence. (More...)

Cheers!

The Sanctuary has raised over $7,000 from the sales of our specially-branded wine, Karori Reserve. We would like to thank everyone who supported us in this new fundraising venture. Special thanks to Matariki Wines for providing the wine to us. The funds will be directed to our new Visitor & Education Centre project. 

Nature's Corner - Rata Flowers for Christmas?

This summer we expect the first of the northern rata (Metrosideros robusta) that have been planted in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to flower. (More...)

Turning back the clock – Heritage Day

Steve the golddigger

Summer may have turned up a day late this year, but it was in perfect time for our first-ever Heritage Day on Saturday 2 December 2006. (More...)

‘Karori Reserve’ Fundraising Wine

Karori Reserve wine label

Drink to the success of the Sanctuary with a glass of our very own wine, and help us to raise funds for our Visitor & Education Centre project.

The Sanctuary has joined forces with award-winning Hawke’s Bay winemakers Matariki to release our own branded wine, which we’re selling to raise funds for the Sanctuary’s Visitor & Education Centre project.

Branded ‘Karori Reserve’, choose from a 2003 Cabernet Merlot or 2004 Sauvignon Blanc or both.

These quality wines are priced at a very reasonable $18 per bottle, $108 for a half case (6 bottles) or $200 for a case (12 bottles). A 10% discount is available for orders of 5 cases or more. Stock up now for Christmas and New Year.

Pre-order your wine today and then come to the Sanctuary on 12, 13 or 14 December to pay and collect.

• Download order form (pdf format, 36 kB)

LIMITED QUANTITIES - ORDER TODAY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

Members-only shopping night and twilight opening

All members are warmly invited to come to a special shopping night and twilight opening between 5pm and 8pm on Tuesday 12 December.

Take an early-evening stroll in the Sanctuary, before checking out all the new Christmas goodies in our shop. Enjoy some Christmas cake, try the Sanctuary’s limited edition ‘Karori Reserve’ wine, and take advantage of special members-only offers on gifts and merchandise (on presentation of your membership card). You’ll even be entered into our prize draw when you make a purchase. Professor George Gibbs will be signing copies of his new book Ghosts of Gondwana, a must-read for anyone interested in New Zealand's ecological or natural history and a beautiful Christmas gift at just $49.99 (More...).

If you are unable to make the members-only evening, we will be open to the public until 8pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in February. Please note that last entry into the Sanctuary during extended opening hours is at 7pm.

Step back in time on Heritage Day
Saturday 2 December (raindate Sunday 3 December)

Gold miners circa 1870

Our Summer in the Sanctuary events programme gets underway with a trip back in time. Join us on a journey back to the late 1800s, when Karori was in the grips of gold fever.

Enjoy traditional Victorian food and games by the Governor General’s Boatshed, and find out how the New Zealand Historic Places Trust works to promote the identification, protection, preservation and conservation of New Zealand’s historic cultural heritage (including buildings like our iconic Valve Tower).

Explore the city’s only accessible goldmine, and see a demonstration of gold panning. Then take a guided tour around the new Discovery Area with members of Wellington Rotary Club (the people behind the project) before checking out the panoramic views from the new viewing tower.

Period dress is optional!

A full programme of Summer in the Sanctuary events will be available early in the New Year.

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