BIRD SPOTTING AROUND WāNAKA
Wānaka is not just a paradise for hikers, photographers, and adventure seekers—it is also a haven for native and visiting birdlife. The diverse landscapes, from wetlands and riverbanks to alpine tussock and beech forest, create a rich tapestry of habitats that support a variety of bird species, and with us, you can visit them all!
Visit Rob Roy & you might spot a Kea or two!
The world’s only alpine parrot. A bold & mischievous resident of the Southern Alps, the Kea are a colourful & entertaining bird for visitors to Mt Aspiring National Park to try and spot.
Visit Mou Waho & spot the flightless Buff Weka, extinct on mainland NZ since 1920!
The Weka on Mou Waho are often visible on our tours, strutting along the shoreline when we land, or rustling through the forest during our hike. Opportunistic foragers, the Weka play an important ecological role on the island, controlling insect populations and contributing to nutrient cycling by turning over soil and leaves. You will hear their distinctive call, often described as a loud, rasping “wek-wek,” carrying across the island.
Stroll the boardwalk to the Wānaka Marina & spot The Grebes nesting!
Changing water levels in Lake Wānaka make it difficult for grebes to build stable nests. The community-led conservation initiative ‘Lake Wānaka Grebe Project’ has been building floating nests on the lake for over 10 years to increase the population of southern crested grebes (pūteketeke), providing safe nesting areas. Our guide Markus Hermanns plays a vital role with this initiative leading local school groups to build floating platforms for the grebes. Listen to him talking about the project here.
Kārearea the New Zealand Falcon
Endemic to New Zealand and nationally endangered a few Kārearea have been spotted recently above Mou Waho and around Wānaka. If you are very lucky you might hear the distinctive “ki-ki-ki” call when visiting Wānaka’s outer island. Get your camera out fast, as these birds can travel at speeds of up to 200kp/h and dive at up to 100kp/h!
Sounds of Wānaka; Piwakawaka, Bellbirds & Tui
Hiking through the silver beech forests and tracks around Wānaka & Mt Aspiring National park you will hear a lot of birdsong! Whether you hear them or spot the bright white of their fantails first, the Piwakawaka often travel in pairs and follow guests along the track. Bellbirds (Korimako) are true to their name, as you walk up the island of Mou Waho you will feel like you are being followed by several chiming bells through the manuka forest. Tui are easy to spot with their green/blue colouring & distinctive white throat tuft.
While Wānaka’s birdlife is abundant, it is also vulnerable. Introduced predators such as stoats, rats, and possums pose ongoing threats to native species. Our guides are happy to discuss conservation efforts around the area and how we are helping to support these efforts. If you are a nature-lover and are interested in spotting any of these birds, come and join us on one of our tours!
