The Catlins is a road-trippers dream, with winding roads weaving together a rolling symphony of picture-perfect landscapes, blue sea waters bordered by towering cliffs and stretches of golden-sand beaches and bays. As you stare out at the Hector's dolphins leaping from the water and seals lazing on…
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Have you ever dreamt of exploring Fiordland? Take a Milford Road trip through Fiordland National Park, wander along the Piopiotahi Milford Sound foreshore, and admire Rahotu mitre peak's spectacular views. Have you considered basing yourself in Te Anau and taking day trips full of adventure or…
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While the Northern Lights are well known throughout the world and are often on people’s bucket lists, its Southern counterpart, the Aurora Australis, is no less spectacular. This natural phenomenon lights up the sky with ribbons of pink, red and green light. This is due to solar wind passing through…
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Most of these curious brown flightless birds are renowned for being heard and not seen with their distinctively loud ‘coo-et’ that is usually heard at dusk. However, Weka living close to farms or tramping huts have been known to become very charismatic. It is very common for these more domesticated…
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Thought to be the most intelligent bird on Earth, the kea is only found in Alpine areas of the South Island. Scientists believe they possess around the same intelligence as a seven-year-old human, and they have been found to work well in teams. They’re not quite able to complete a Rubix cube, but…
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Here in Southland, you might encounter both the Kakaruwai / South Island and the Stewart Island robin. These wee fellas are always happy to join you on a walk as humans expose food for them as they move. They are dedicated when it comes to finding a partner; to attract a female, bachelors will sing…
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A relative of the kea, the kākā is a large parrot that is found in many parts of Southland. Kākā are infamous for their raucous voices, and Māori used to refer to them as chattering and gossiping because of the large congregations they would form. Kākā are found in many parts of Fiordland and are a…
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Despite appearing to be perennially angry due to their arched eyebrows, the pīwakawaka / fantail are some of the friendliest birds that can be found in Southland. They are very common, and if you spot a chick, it’s likely to be feeding (they’re fed every ten minutes!). These birds are distinguished…
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The tūī are beautiful both to look at and to hear. They have two voiceboxes and can often be heard mimicking other birds. They are found throughout Southland. The easiest way to spot a tūī is to look for their distinctive white tufts poking through the trees! Read more on the tūī here. Learn more…
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