About
The Parrot Place in Kerikeri is one of Northland's most engaging animal attractions, home to over 100 native and exotic parrots in a purpose-built sanctuary on Mission Road. What sets it apart is the genuine conservation focus—this isn't just a tourist stop, but a working educational facility dedicated to parrot welfare and breeding programs. Visitors get close-up encounters with everything from cheeky kea to colourful macaws, and the knowledgeable staff really know their birds, making it feel more like visiting passionate collectors than a standard zoo experience.
Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, wandering through landscaped aviaries where you can hand-feed and interact with many of the birds. It's brilliant for families with kids aged 5+, couples after something different, and genuine bird enthusiasts—though even casual visitors find themselves charmed by the characters on display. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried; there's no rush, and staff will chat about individual birds' personalities and stories. Wear closed-toe shoes (bird droppings happen), bring a camera, and don't expect a huge gift shop—it's pleasantly understated. With a solid 4.7-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews, visitors consistently praise the staff's passion and the quality of animal care.
The Parrot Place slots nicely into a broader Kerikeri day trip alongside the historic Stone Store and Basin walks, or as a calm afternoon activity if you're basing yourself in the Far North. Late spring through early autumn (September to March) is ideal when the birds are most active and the weather's reliable. It's the kind of attraction that doesn't make headlines but leaves visitors genuinely pleased they stopped—a genuine local gem in Northland's quieter tourist landscape.
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your visit.