The search for New Zealand’s native birds

As a concerted effort to explore things on my doorstep, I recently went to Zealandia; a sanctuary for birds, reptiles and insects in Wellington, New Zealand. It’s a short distance from central Wellington or in my case, a 30 minute bicycle ride. The dominating fence catches my eye and I instantly have flashbacks of Jurassic Park and feel a tinge of excitement. A quick inspection of my bag for rodents and I enter the park with the double gates closing behind me…

Whilst watching nesting shag from a pontoon on the lake my attention is drawn to a solo takahē. Once thought extinct, it’s a pleasure to watch this large, flightless takahē cutting at the grass with its beak at my feet. 

Following a stream under the cover of trees I could have been in the remote wilderness rather than on the city outskirts. I watch kākāriki (New Zealand parakeet), hihi (stitchbird), tieke (saddleback) and piwakawaka (fantail). The dominant upper dam comes into view and I watch unrecognisable bird life in the lakes from my vantage point, which offer panoramic views of the 560 acre sanctuary.

I hear the electronic sounding call of the tui, quickly spotting it in a nearby tree as it switches between calling out and eating berries. The distinct frantic flapping of the kereru (New Zealand pigeon) can be heard as it launches from a nearby branch and takes to the air, disappearing into the forest.

I turn a corner and a toutouwai (north island robin) is perched on a low branch. I stand and watch it, as it flies off to a nearby branch before promptly returning and repeating over and over again. This game continues for a long while.

I refuel at the Rata cafe with a coffee and muffin before going in search of the kākā. I was particularly keen to see a kākā. I had seen some flying in the distance earlier, however I was hoping to see one close-up. It wasn’t long before I get to see them as several kākā are at one of the feeding platforms. I watch them open the feeding boxes, pluck a pellet out and eat it before drinking from the bottled water holders.

I see another half a dozen kākā in the more remote areas of the sanctuary, even having to dodge one as it was flying towards me on the track. The highlight was standing within 2 feet of a kākā as it manoeuvred down a tree trunk towards me, tearing at the bark with its beak, seemingly oblivious or at least unconcerned of my presence.

I spent 3 hours in the sanctuary and covered approximately 12 kilometres. I had heard, spotted and identified an abundance of native birds in the short amount of time. Packing the camera away I head to the exit, already thinking about my next trip to experience it all over again.

Author: Adam Constanza is based in Wellington, New Zealand and loves to seek out active adventures. He shares his passion for wanderlust through his travel writing, photography and videos.  www.travelinspired.co.nz | Facebook: travelinspiredone | Instagram: travelinspired1