Bush wildlife

tūī are unique to New Zealand, they feed mainly on nectar from flowers of native plants. With predator control their numbers have been proven to thrive. It is always special to hear their call click to listen (DOC).

For more information see the DOC website.

The kererū is a large bird with iridescent green and bronze feathers on its head and a smart white vest. Introduced predators are a threat as they eat their eggs and young. Possums also compete with adult kererū for food (leaves, flowers, fruit).

For more information see the DOC website.

The North Island saddleback/tīeke were once widespread throughout New Zealand. They declined after the introduction of predators and by this century were close to extinction. Click to listen (DOC).

For more information see the DOC website.

The fantail/pīwakawaka is a common bird found across NZ, and has managed to maintain a healthy population due to their ability to produce lots of young. Click to listen (DOC).

For more information see the DOC website.

The bellbird/korimako is often recognised by its song. They used to be common but introduced predators now keep the numbers low. Click to listen (DOC).

For more information see the DOC website.

The North Island kokako is a large songbird with a haunting song. The population has been in significant decline due to introduced predators but there are now signs of recovery. Click to listen (DOC).

For more information see the DOC website.

The kākā is a large and intelligent forest-dwelling parrot. It was once abundant across NZ but is now mainly limited to predator free offshore islands and forest sanctuaries. It nests in hollow trees, making it easy prey for stoats.

For more information see the DOC website.

The swamp harrier/kahu is a large, tawny-brown bird of prey that occurs throughout New Zealand. It mainly east small to medium-sized birds and mammals, insects, lizards and frogs.

For more information see the NZ Birds Online website.

The grey warbler is New Zealand’s most widely distributed endemic bird species. They are also one of the lightest, only weighing about 6.5g.

For more information see the DOC website.

The morepork/ruru is known for its haunting, melancholic call often heard at dusk or throughout the night. They are nocturnal, hunting at night mainly for insects. Click to listen (DOC).

For more information see the DOC website.

The silvereye/tauhou is a small and friendly olive green forest bird with white rings around its eyes. They self introduced and are now found throughout New Zealand. Its Māori name tauhou means 'stranger' or more literally, 'new arrival'.

For more information see the DOC website.