Bushy Park Tarapuruhi is a 100-hectare native forest sanctuary about 25 minutes from Whanganui, managed by Forest & Bird and protected by a predator-proof fence. It’s one of the few places in the region where you can walk through genuinely ancient bush — rimu, tōtara and northern rātā — and hear kōmako (bellbird), tīeke (saddleback) and hihi (stitchbird) in the same stand of trees. Entry is by koha during daylight hours.
Practical Information
| Distance from Whanganui | Approximately 30km — about 25 minutes drive |
|---|---|
| Address | 791 Rangitatau East Road, Kai Iwi |
| Forest entry | Open during daylight hours; koha (donation) entry |
| Homestead | Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm |
| Dogs | Not permitted on site |
| Speed limit on driveway | 15km/h |
| Walking tracks | 3.4km of all-weather tracks through forest and wetlands |
About Bushy Park
The forest at Bushy Park is a remnant of the native bush that once covered much of the lower North Island. It survived clearing because the land remained in private ownership as a homestead estate before being gifted to Forest & Bird. The predator-proof fence — enclosing 100 hectares — has allowed locally extinct species to be reintroduced, including saddlebacks and stitchbirds. Forest & Bird has ranked it among Australasia’s top 25 restoration projects.
The centrepiece of the reserve is Ratanui — a northern rātā estimated to be between 500 and 1,000 years old, standing 43 metres tall with a girth of more than 11 metres. It’s regarded as one of the largest rātā trees in the world and sits a short walk from the homestead.
Other bird species you may encounter include kererū, morepork (ruru), pūkeko and kōtare (kingfisher), along with the reintroduced saddleback and stitchbird populations.
The Homestead
The historic homestead — built in the 1890s — is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. It provides context to the property’s history as a working farming estate before its conservation purpose, and is worth a visit if you’re there during opening hours.
What Visitors Say
“Outstanding predator-proof sanctuary. I heard more birdsong in an hour here than I’ve heard in the rest of the year combined. The giant rata is something else entirely.” — TripAdvisor review, Bushy Park Sanctuary
“Best thing to do in this area. It’s close to Whanganui, completely free on a koha basis, and genuinely magical bush. If you’re visiting the region, don’t miss it.” — TripAdvisor review, Bushy Park Sanctuary
Where to Learn More
Bushy Park Tarapuruhi — official website: Visiting hours, conservation news, homestead information and a track map of the reserve.
Visit Whanganui — Bushy Park Wildlife Sanctuary: Local tourism overview with access and visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Bushy Park from Whanganui?
About 30km — roughly 25 minutes drive to Rangitatau East Road, Kai Iwi.
Is entry free?
Entry is by koha (donation) — there is no set admission charge.
Can I bring my dog?
No — dogs are not permitted on site. The predator-free fence and reintroduced bird populations make this a strict rule.
What is the Ratanui tree?
Ratanui is a northern rātā estimated at 500–1,000 years old, standing 43 metres tall with an 11-metre girth. It’s regarded as one of the largest rātā trees in the world.
When is the homestead open?
Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
What birds will I see?
Common sightings include bellbird (kōmako), kererū, saddleback (tīeke), stitchbird (hihi), morepork, pūkeko and kingfisher — species that have recovered significantly since predator control began.
Browse all day trips from Whanganui. Also nearby: Whanganui River Road makes a good full-day combination with Bushy Park.