A home for Pandas in Hawke’s Bay

Pandaland is a proposed conservation, cultural, and education project in Hawke’s Bay, centred on housing two Giant Pandas in a purpose-built, world-class enclosure.

The project is fully privately funded: construction, transport, panda leasing, operations, staffing, and ongoing care are funded entirely by the Pandaland Trust and investors — with no cost to Council or Government.

Pandaland aims to support global panda conservation, enrich the local community, foster cross-cultural collaboration with China, and create an iconic new destination for Hawke’s Bay.

How does Pandaland work?

    • Fully privately funded non-profit initiative

    • Supports conservation, education, and cultural exchange

    • Demonstrates sustainable tourism and community enrichment

    • Council is not financially responsible

    • Project revitalises the Hawke’s Bay without burdening ratepayers

    • Aligns with strong China–New Zealand relations

    • Supports China’s conservation vision, including the long-term goal of reintroducing pandas to restored wild habitats

Visitor Experience

    • 400–800 visitors per day

    • 150,000–300,000 visitors annually

  • Adults: $40

    Children: $21

*Benchmarked against Adelaide Zoo, Kelly Tarlton’s, and other local attractions.

Economic Impact

  • 420 jobs created

  • ~$22m annual economic impact

  • Boost to accommodation, hospitality, tourism, airport, retail, and regional attractions

Get involved.

Your support plays a key role in conservation, education, and community enrichment.

Donate