Wingspan - Best Time to Visit, Activities & Prices

Wingspan, Rotorua, Rotorua Overview

Wingspan, also known as the Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, is New Zealand's leading centre for educating, conserving and researching the birds of prey native to the region. The attraction is located in Rotorua, New Zealand. Here, tourists get to observe the birds of prey at close distances and even get an opportunity to hold them. In addition, the surroundings of Wingspan are conserved to allow the birds to thrive in their natural environment.

The Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre was opened in 2002, but its beginning goes back to the 1980s (their charitable trust was founded in 1992). One of the primary reasons for establishing this centre was to protect and conserve a specific falcon species of New Zealand, Karearea. The Karearea Falcons are threatened in the region, and the idea to protect them comes from their importance in the Maori tribe. Traditionally, Falcons are treasured in their culture, and Wingspan helps keep those traditions alive. The centre works persistently on the bird species by rehabilitating injured birds, releasing captive ones and enabling long-term sustained conservation through extensive research. Nature lovers and ecologists are naturally drawn to this place. A tour here is quite an educational treat too. Therefore, parents often bring their children along for a great time learning and having fun together.

Best Time to Visit

Spring Time
The best time to visit Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre is during the spring season that begins in September and goes on till November. The temperature during this time of the year is pleasant (between 21ᵒC and 14ᵒC). The days are mostly dry and bright.
Autumn
Autumn can also be a great time to visit the centre. The Mercury level is a tad bit higher than the spring season and the region witnesses a maximum of 26ᵒC and a minimum of 15ᵒC. The best time to explore the attraction is around 11:30 AM NZST. The displays about begin during this hour, and the atmosphere is pleasant to enjoy it completely.

Things to Do at Wingspan National Bird of Prey Center

At Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, visitors can watch flying displays managed by the handlers who are experts in the field. These flying displays are interactive and fun to watch from the farm paddock. Visitors also get a great view of the Rotorua Lake from the seats. As one enjoys the show watching the breath-taking flying skills of the birds of prey, they would know how passionate and learned the expert/ handlers are.
Falcon Interactions
Another interesting, rather thrilling part of exploring the Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre is that the visitors can let the birds perch on their wrists or their arm. This experience has an element of fun as well as thrill as falcons do not usually come so close to humans. It is only here, under the guidance of the experts, that visitors can genuinely witness this spectacular event.
Bird Knowledge
Here, visitors can also gain knowledge of the birds and the ecosystem. They can see how the centre and the experts carry about the conservation and research on the native birds of prey. Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre is, therefore, a preferred attraction for school and college trips. Separate guided tours can be arranged for students if bookings are made in advance.
Shopping, Souvenirs and Charity
Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre also has a shop where visitors can purchase memorabilia and gifts. People can buy a Wingspan Gift Voucher also for their loved ones so that they can also witness the stunning flying displays. The centre also seeks contributions to keep it running. So, people can make donations to support the charity.

How To Reach Wingspan, Rotorua

Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre is located at 1334 Paradise Valley Road in Ngongotaha, New Zealand. It is located about 8.5 kilometres away from Rotorua city centre. Travellers can reach Rotorua by roadways or airways depending on what is comfortable for them.
Roadways and Public Transport
The country has a well-maintained network of roads that allow reaching the attraction by taxis, rental cars, self-driven vehicles and buses. The public transport of Rotorua also makes commuting convenient.
Course of the Tour
The route leading to Wingspan goes via Pukuatua Street - Ranolf Street - Lake Road - SH 5 - Paradise Valley Road.