New Zealand Tel. New Zealand Tel. As well as the collection of birds and animals the Zoo boasts 10 acres of gardens full of New Zealand native trees, shrubs, and plants. The gardens also features five acres of exotic plantings including a large collection of perennials. The Zoo houses a variety of species, from the family group of friendly Cappuchin monkeys, to the very unusual South American Mara.
Otters swim the flowing waters in one of the natural pond features that abound in the park.
Many birds roam the grounds at will and visitors can view native species such as the Wood Pidgeon, Tui, Bell Bird, Robins, and occasionally White Heron and Shining Cuckoo. The cheeky Weka, a bird common to the Lake Brunner region, are endemic in the Zoo grounds. This flightless bird is often mistaken for the Kiwi, which can also be viewed in the Zoo's nocturnal house. The Zoo is two km from the township of Moana a pleasant 20 minute drive from Greymouth - the Tourist centre of the West Coast. For travellers coming to the West Coast from Christchurch, the two and a half hour drive to Lake Brunner, Moana is taken on State Highway 73 and takes in the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass and the new Otira Viaduct.