Seeing kiwi and other feathered friends in NZ
 

I understand that seeing kiwi in the wild is difficult in that they are nocturnal and territorial. The best bet seems to be an evening boat trip to an Ocean Beach walk on Stewart Island, but of course no one can count on a sighting and weather can delay or cancel such a trip.

If I can't fit in the trip to Stewart Island, the options seem to be various nocturnal houses at the Auckland zoo, Kiwi and Birdlife Park, Otorohanga Kiwi House, and others. Do all of these offer pretty much the same experience? (I know they have different species) Is one better than another in terms of setting? Is one better than another in the other offerings at the destination? Otherwise, should I just stop in at whichever is most convenient?

Kay - I can't help with your question, but in six trips to NZ I have yet to see a kiwi (the bird that is). We visited Stwart Island this year and saw many, many birds, but no kiwis.

Please report back after your trip and let us know if you had any luck at the places you mention.

There are nocturnal houses in most of NZ's zoos and nature reserves - they are all pretty similar, and they will all allow you to see a Kiwi. We saw Kiwis in the wild on Stewart Island, but, needless to say, that is a long way to go for the privelege. A DOC ranger leads small groups out on various nights, and if you are lucky, you will catch a fleeting glimpse of the elusive birds.

I am a New Zealander and have been out in the bush a bit but still have not seen a wild Kiwi. They are good at not being seen (you have to be if you are a slow moving chubby bird that doesn't fly)
Cheers, Glenn
www.newzealandatoz.com

I am chuckling at Glenn's description of the kiwi as the "slow moving chubby bird that doesn't fly." :-D Therefore I have to top this thread.

Has anybody seen a kiwi in the wild since this post was started?!

My husband (DH) is a biologist and is wondering if Stewart Island is a fascinating place for a biologist. I am wondering if Stewart Island is a romantic place since we are going to New Zealand in February 2007 for our 25th anniversary!

It is my job to plan the itinerary. DH is too busy to do the research but he knows he can trust me to include some places only a biologist could love on every trip. Okay I have learned to love them too!

He is interested in native flora and fauna. His specialty is herpetology but he enjoys nature in general. As for me, I like scenery, romance, and good food!

I didn't go to Stewart Island on my trip--just not enough time. I did go to Te Puia in Rotorua and saw the kiwi in confinement in their kiwi house. It was a practical alternative for me as I could access the thermal area, kiwi, arts and crafts, and cultural performance in one area (I did not rent a car). I spent a long time quietly observing the very active birds, so I thought the stop worthwhile.

If you do a search on my name, I think I posted lots of comments on my trip. The penguins on the South Island were a highlight.

Have only seen the kiwi in the zoos. On my Milford tramp, they CLAIM that they are occasionally seen at the second hut on the guided walk (forgive me I can't remember the name of that stop).

Ulva Island is on my "someday" list for a birdwatching adventure. It's a daytrip from Stewart Island. I think it probably is not achievable on a 2-week trip. It's still on my to-do list after multiple visits.

The most entertaining bird in NZ is the Kea. Do some day hiking above the snowline in southwest SI and you will surely encounter them. There was a whole mob of them at McKinnon Pass and they were working as teams. One would pose for photos while another would sneak up behind the photographer and try to peck at his backpack.

If your husband is a herpetologist it is mandatory that you stop in Invercargill and see the tuatarium, with Henry (assuming he is still alive) at over 100 years old.

My favorite penguin spotting was watching a Fiordland crested who swam up onto the beach at Munro's Beach in SW Fiordland. But I also found Penguin Place entertaining and we got really close (like within a few feet).
http://www.penguinplace.co.nz/

Penguin spotting can be seasonal and time of day matters so be sure to do some research (by species) before you go out of your way.

mlgb -

Ulva Island is only a five minute water taxi ride from Stewart Island. We spent three hours there and pretty much saw the whole island, so it's really an easy trip from Stewart. For me, getting to Stewart Island is the time consuming part. If you're a bird lover, you definitely need to visit Ulva Island at some point.

Thanks for the info on the East Cape on another of Melissa's threads. Thought it was something I'd missed on the SI, didn't realize it was on the NI.

Sorry, I'm not clear, I haven't been to Stewart Island either, and, yes that is the time consuming bit. I was close to going last time but a bit of rough weather intervened. So it's still on the list.

The elusive kiwi. Well I am a "kiwi" but not the feathered kind. I have spend many years working in the New Zealand outoors as an outdoor guide. During this time I have caught fleeting glimses of the elusive kiwi. The kiwi can be located in many of the NZ national parks. If you really are determined to see a kiwi in the wild state try this method. Obtain a tape recording (or digital) of the kiwi call. Venture into one of the many National bush reserves. After dark play the sound of the kiwi and wait for a reply. Note the direction of the call as it is unlikely that the kiwi will be close to you. The next night move closer to where you heard the call and repeat. To view a kiwi you must be quiet and remain still, as soon as you move around and make a noise the kiwi will disappear. You can also look for "kiwi sign" The best sign is to look for small deep holes in the ground that the kiwi makes with its beak as it searches for food. The kiwi is more likely to be in bush that has a lush undergrowth. I have been to kiwi nocturnal houses where kiwi are kept for public view. These houses are kept dark during the day as the kiwi is only active at night time. Because of the darkened rooms the kiwi is lead to believe that it is night time. Unfortunately as the rooms are keep dark the human species find it difficult to see the kiwi. I live in Wanganui city and recently there has been a wildlife reserve created. 50 acres of bush have been enclosed with a preditor proof fence and kiwis have been liberated in this area. If you are hunting for kiwis in the wild, don't expect to see large flocks. Kiwis have their own territories and within a square mile you are unlikely to find more that two breeding pairs. Kiwis mate for life and the divorce rate is low!!!! unlike the human species