A wildlife reserve in the Akatarawa Valley, at 2362 Akatarawa Road near Upper Hutt, where visitors can walk among the animals, feed them and approach those that are willing. Deer, sheep and goats live on the hillside, peacocks call from the trees, the walkways pass waterfalls and bridges, and the reserve runs a whio captive breeding programme. Reviews describe it as refreshing, with the animals treated with respect rather than kept behind cages, and say the grounds are clean and landscaped without feeling artificial. One reviewer's children who love animals loved it, and an hour spent high on the hill among the deer, sheep and goats was described as wonderful. The café is fully licensed and serves home-made treats, fresh coffee and a light lunch from the menu. The reserve is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, including public holidays except Christmas Day, with no public holiday surcharge, and the café closes at 4.30pm. Last admission is at 5pm, though visitors can stay until the gates close at 6pm. A family pass for two adults and up to three children costs $88 as at 2026. It is less than an hour's drive from Wellington City, reached from the Kapiti or Hutt Valley highways, with the Hutt Valley route the easier one. Our pick in Upper Hutt for a family day out with animals.