New Zealand is one of the best places on planet earth to view a diverse range of fascinating birds. Would you enjoy having the opportunity to see the rarest penguin species in the entire world — the yellow-eyed penguin, a stunning, shy and rarely seen bird that is native to New Zealand’s Southern Islands? Want to spot playful parrots and parakeets in their natural habitat? Track the migration of a spectacular array of Australasian and arctic shorebirds? View the breathtaking albatross as it spreads its wings in a glorious takeoff? If so, New Zealand is the top destination you’ll want to put on your travel itinerary.
We invite you to join us here in New Zealand for private birding tours to the destinations of your choice. You’ll also want to consider attending a variety of upcoming events and classes that will give you the opportunity to learn about, and view, New Zealand’s broad diversity of native and introduced bird species, many of which are endangered.
New Zealand’s Playful Parrots
New Zealand’s endemic kea birds were recently in the spotlight as the result of a fascinating study conducted by Austria’s Messerli Research Institute. What we learned from the study: It isn’t just mammals whose emotions affect others. The researchers liken one of the kea’s birdcalls to human laughter; this call encourages playful behavior in other kea birds.
We think you’ll want to witness the aerial acrobatics of the kea bird for yourself. They do a lot of playing and vocalising, and they’re great fun to watch. Kākā, Eastern Rosella and kākāpō are a few more types of parrots you’re likely to spot in the New Zealand landscape.
New Zealand Birding Events to Look Forward to in 2017-2018
Bird lovers flock to New Zealand every year to view birds and also for a variety of interesting birding events. Here’s a brief sampling of some upcoming events you might be interested in attending here:
New Zealand Birds Youth Banding Camp
This camp is especially for 14 – 18 year-old bird lovers who would like to learn techniques for bird handling and banding under the supervision of experienced birders. Space is extremely limited; if you’re interested in having your child attend, we advise reserving your spot early.
Dates: October 20 – 23, 2017
Location: Pokeno, New Zealand at the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre; this facility is located about an hour’s drive from Auckland.
Field Course in Ornithology and Coastal Ecology
Learn how to identify shorebirds from New Zealand and the surrounding areas; discover techniques for shorebird habitat conservation; learn about shorebird migrations, the local botany and entomology of coastal New Zealand, and much more. Space is extremely limited, so we recommend reserving your spot early.
Dates: January 15 – 21, 2018
Location: Pokeno, New Zealand at the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre
The Parrot Society of New Zealand’s 2018 Convention
Join fascinating speakers from New Zealand, Australia and the United States to gain little-known insights about colourful parrots from New Zealand and around the world.
Dates: April 20th – 22nd, 2018
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand Bird Conference 2018
Dates: June 2nd – 4th, 2018
Location: Bay of Islands (Waitangi)
Want to attend any of these events here in New Zealand? We can help you customise a travel itinerary that includes a variety of educational events including these and many others.
Perhaps you would be interested in joining us for educational tours of New Zealand that will introduce you to New Zealand’s cultural and ecological diversity. We’d be delighted to arrange customised private birding tours or wildlife tours to the island destinations where you’ll be most likely to spot the species you’re interested in viewing.
We offer options for both private guided tours and flexible self-drive tour packages. Either of these types of tours would be ideal opportunities for your group to discover New Zealand’s native birds, wildlife and habitat up close. Get in touch soon to get started planning the New Zealand birding vacation of your dreams.
