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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Did you know that there are more species of penguins that call New Zealand home than any other country? We are particularly blessed with these beautiful birds here in Southland as we have three species found on our shores. The tawaki Fiordland crested penguins can be found along the Fiordland coast…
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The flightless takahē is a unique bird, a conservation icon and a survivor. Thought to be extinct for nearly half a century, takahē were rediscovered in 1948 by an Invercargill based doctor, Geoffrey Orbell. He came across a small number of birds in the Murchison Mountains deep in Fiordland, still…
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The kākāpō is the world’s largest parrot and is only found within conservation efforts and on Codfish Island. Codfish Island is a predator free sanctuary that lies to the west of Stewart Island. These magnificent birds sport a bright green plumage and possess almost clownlike feet. Whilst they are…
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