Last updated June 2026
The Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre is a volunteer-run 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, provides treatment and rehabilitation, and releases them back into the wild where possible. Entry is by donation, and the centre welcomes visitors during weekday hours to view the aviaries and meet permanent residents such as Sparky the kiwi.
Practical Information
| Location | 500 State Highway 14, Maunu, Whangarei (at the Kiwi North complex, to the left of the main entrance) |
| 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 entry (donations welcome) |
| After-hours drop-offs | 24-hour drop box available on the main office deck |
| Contact | 09 438 1457 or in**@*****rg.nz |
About the Centre
The Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre operates as a non-profit organisation with a small team of dedicated volunteers. It has cared for thousands of native birds since opening on 1 August 1992, treating species ranging from small passerines to albatrosses. Visitors can view aviaries housing birds at various stages of recovery, including kingfishers, moreporks and harrier hawks, offering close observation of species seldom seen at rest in the wild.
A highlight for many visitors is Sparky, a North Island brown kiwi who has lived at the centre since he was a chick after losing part of a leg in a trap. Unable to survive in the wild, Sparky serves as a permanent resident and kiwi ambassador, travelling to schools and public events to promote conservation. He is one of the few kiwi in New Zealand that visitors may see and touch during daylight hours.
The centre sits directly beside Kiwi North on the same site, making it a natural addition for those interested in conservation alongside the museum and heritage park. All injured native birds are accepted, with drop-offs possible at any time via the 24-hour facility.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently describe the centre as unexpectedly moving, especially the chance to meet and interact with Sparky the kiwi. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, noting that the experience often becomes the most memorable part of a visit to the Kiwi North complex.
Many appreciate the educational value and the rarity of seeing native birds up close in a rehabilitation setting. Comments often mention the centre’s volunteer model and long history of helping a wide range of species injured by traps, roads and other hazards.
Where to Learn More
nbr.org.nz: Official site with visiting hours, how to drop off injured birds, donation options and volunteer information.
About Us – nbr.org.nz: Details on the centre’s history, founders and ongoing work with native birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre free to visit?
Entry is by donation. The centre is a non-profit that relies on public support.
What are the opening hours?
Monday–Thursday 9am–4pm, Friday 10am–4pm. Closed on weekends, with a 24-hour drop box available for injured birds.
Where is the Native Bird Recovery Centre located?
At the Kiwi North complex, 500 State Highway 14, Maunu, to the left of the main entrance.
Can visitors touch the kiwi?
Sparky, the centre’s one-legged resident North Island brown kiwi, can be seen and touched during visits — a rare daytime experience.
What kinds of birds does the centre treat?
A wide range of native species including kingfishers, moreporks, harrier hawks, kiwi and seabirds 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.
Does the centre take domestic birds?
No — only wild native birds are accepted for rehabilitation.
Is the centre still operating?
Yes — the volunteer-run facility continues its work rehabilitating native birds.
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