I'm keen on birdwatching in New Zealand. Yes, I know my forum pen name relates to a place in the North Island where there are lots of Australasian gannets, I read about this place and it sounds pretty cool. Anyway - my question is, can anyone recommend a good guide book to the best places to go in New Zealand to see a variety of species?

You might find the site below to be useful http://www.nzbirds.com/birding/birdwatching.html
some years ago I picked up a wonderful little publication from Miranda with lists of birding facilities but I cannot locate it at the moment.

I can't recommend guide books on birding, but suggest you consider Stewart Island on the SI and perhaps Dunedin (albatross colony, penguins) and Farewell Spit.

Hi, thanks for the two responses. I've since been alerted to the existence of an excellent guide book, Where to Watch Birds in New Zealand, by Kathy Ombler. A friend's friend has used it and said it was wonderful, not only good for bird watching but also for exploring several wonderful areas of New Zealand - it gives directions to over 30 different locations Stewart Island, Otago Peninsula (Dunedin) are two of them Melnq8. The publishers are New Holland, I see its for sale on www.nzbirds.com Saulturius. Thanks for your tips, I'm going to order this book now.

If I can suggest a couple of places to visit - I hiked some trails in Nelson Park on the way from Picton to Greymouth (just short easy trails) and one was called the Bellbird Trail. And the Bellbird has to be the most amazing bird I have ever heard. It's song is truly like a pure tuning fork or small bell, and in January when I was there they were singing non stop in the woods. There were also lots of fantail birds there.I sat on a log for a long time, just revelling in the sound. I also took the tour of the Albatross Centre near Dunedin and that is a fabulous visit.
New Zealand birds are amazing.