Bird Watching in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to many endemic species of birds. Our isolation means that we have unique birdlife that the bird lover amongst us will thoroughly enjoy learning about, through bird watching in New Zealand.

There are many opportunities to see New Zealand's birds in their natural environment, join an organised tour to visit New Zealand bird sanctuaries or get a private tour tailored to your own interests.

New Zealand bird watching tours are informative and provide opportunities to see birds going about their life in an unobtrusive manner.

Our first and foremost interest regarding bird watching in New Zealand is their safety. New Zealand endeavours to conserve our endangered species. Some birds that were once commonly found here have been threatened by introduced predators such as rats, cats, pigs and humans.

The flora and fauna that the birds feed on are also threatened by these predators. In an effort to sustain (and ideally increase) the bird population of New Zealand, there have been numerous New Zealand bird sanctuaries set up. Sanctuaries such as Karori Wildlife Santuary and Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre, which provide a predator free environment for the birds to breed.

Tourism Activities: Bird Watching and Bird Sanctuaries

Bird Species Found in New Zealand

The Kiwi - New Zealand's icon is a flightless, noctural bird. Now an endangered species, you will only see the kiwi at protected New Zealand bird sanctuaries and zoos. New Zealanders are commonly known around the world as Kiwi's, named so after our national bird.

The Royal Albatross - Dunedin is lucky enough to house the only royal albatross colony in the world. In September the birds travel to Tairoa Head to court, eggs are laid in November and hatch in January, and by the following September the chicks and parents have left the colony.

The Kea - Especially well known for its inquisitive and naughty nature, this parrot living in the mountains of the South Island is a mischevious character. Cars parked in ski fields are commonly 'attacked' by the kea. However, it is this part of their personality that makes them so popular with most people.

The Takahe - Once thought to be extinct, the takahe is another flightless bird found in New Zealand. It is an impressive looking alpine bird, bearing blue and green feathers, and a red beak.

The Yellow Eyed Penguin (Hoiho) - One of the rarest species of penguin, only found on the south-east coast of the South Island, and Stewart Island. The hoiho lays its eggs in September, with an incubation period lasting approximately 7 weeks. So, if you want to view baby yellow eyed penguins, November is about the time to go.

The Tui - Common throughout New Zealand's forestry, this is an impressive singing bird, with a distinctive white tuft of feathers on its throat, contrasting to its blue-green plummage. This is one bird you're likely to both see and hear in the bush.

Other prized birds of New Zealand include:

• Blue Eyed Penguin
• Kakapo
• Kaka
• Kereru: native wood pigeon
• Kakariki: native parakeet
• Hihi
• Kokako
• Bellbird
• Fantail
• Blackbird
• Morepork
• Saddleback

Conservation

There are many research and rescue programs underway in New Zealand, in an effort to stop the dwindling population of many of our wildlife. The aim is to return sufficient numbers back to their wild habitat and to educate the general public on the implications of their actions on the environment. Check out the DOC (Department of Conservation) Web site for more information.

Tourism Activities: Bird Watching and Bird Sanctuaries