The Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre is a working rehabilitation facility for injured and sick native birds, located at the Kiwi North complex on State Highway 14 in Maunu. Founded in 1992 by Robert and Robyn Webb, the centre receives birds from across Northland, treats and rehabilitates them, and releases them back into the wild where possible. Entry is free, and the centre is open to visitors during weekday hours.
Practical Information
| Location | 500 State Highway 14, Maunu, Whangarei (at the Kiwi North complex) |
| Hours | Monday–Thursday 9am–4pm, Friday 10am–4pm |
| Weekends | Closed — 24-hour drop box on the main office deck for bird drop-offs |
| Cost | Free (donations welcome) |
| After-hours drop-offs | 24-hour drop box available on the main office deck |
About the Centre
The centre operates with a small, dedicated team of volunteers and has been rehabilitating native birds for over 30 years. Visitors can explore aviaries that house birds in various stages of treatment and recovery — including kingfishers, moreporks, harrier hawks, and other native species — before they are released back into the wild. The aviaries offer a closer look at birds that are rarely seen at rest in the environment.
A long-term resident is Sparky, a North Island Brown kiwi who has lived at the centre since he was a chick. Sparky lost part of a leg as a juvenile after being caught in a trap, and because he cannot survive in the wild, he remains a permanent resident. He is one of the only kiwi in New Zealand that can be seen and touched by visitors in daylight — most kiwi encounters occur in nocturnal house settings. Sparky also travels to schools around New Zealand with keeper Robyn Webb to educate children about kiwi conservation.
The centre is located on the left-hand side of the Kiwi North entrance area. If you’re visiting Kiwi North, the recovery centre is directly accessible and makes a natural addition to the visit — particularly for visitors interested in conservation rather than the museum and heritage park.
What Visitors Say
TripAdvisor visitors describe the experience as unexpectedly moving — particularly meeting Sparky and hearing his story. Reviewers note the volunteers are knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the work. Several mention it as the most memorable part of their time at the Kiwi North complex, and highlight the rarity of being able to touch a living kiwi.
The Kiwi Conservation Club has profiled the centre’s work in detail, describing the range of species treated — from seabirds washed ashore to raptors with injuries from road strikes. The centre’s volunteer-run model and 30-plus years of operation are highlighted as remarkable given its resourcing constraints.
Where to Learn More
Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre — nbr.org.nz — the official website with information on the centre’s work, visiting hours, how to drop off an injured bird, and how to support the centre through donations or volunteering.
Kiwi Conservation Club — Northland Native Bird Recovery Centre — a detailed profile of the centre’s history, the species it rehabilitates, and the people behind the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre free to visit?
Yes — entry is free. Donations are welcome and support the centre’s ongoing work.
What are the opening hours?
Monday–Thursday 9am–4pm, Friday 10am–4pm. Closed weekends. A 24-hour drop box is available for injured bird drop-offs outside of opening hours.
Where is the Native Bird Recovery Centre?
At the Kiwi North complex, 500 State Highway 14, Maunu — to the left of the main Kiwi North entrance.
Can I touch the kiwi at the recovery centre?
Sparky, the centre’s permanent-resident North Island Brown kiwi, can be touched during visits — a rare experience. Most kiwi in New Zealand can only be seen in nocturnal house settings.
What kinds of birds does the centre treat?
A wide range of native species including kingfishers, moreporks, harrier hawks, kiwi, and various seabirds and raptors injured by traps, road strikes, and other hazards.
Can I drop off an injured bird after hours?
Yes — a 24-hour drop box is located on the main office deck for after-hours drop-offs.
The Native Bird Recovery Centre shares a site with Kiwi North, which has a separate admission fee for the museum and nocturnal kiwi house. For more historical and cultural attractions in Whangarei, see the Historical and Cultural Sites hub.