Orokonui Ecosanctuary
As soon as you arrive at Orokonui, you’ll hear the sound of birdsong—a rarity today in much of NZ’s wilderness, due to predation. One of NZ’s newest wildlife sanctuaries—and one of the few on the South Island—Orokonui is a 307 hectare (759 acres) of regenerated bush. An opportunity to travel back in time and see Aotearoa as it once was, it’s fully fenced and predator-free. Here, you can see wild tūī (a type of honeyeater); kākā parrots; brightly colored takahē (flightless birds once thought to extinct); eels; Otago skinks; and tuatara (an ancient reptile). The two latter species do roam freely in the sanctuary, but since they’re difficult to find, some are kept in an enclosure for easy viewing. Feeders with viewing platforms also makes finding birdlife a breeze. There’s an on-site café; don’t come for the food, but do come for the view.
If you’re traveling without a car and would like to get to Orokonui Ecosanctuary in the most eco-friendly manner, call Whisper to the Birds (tel] 021/539-090). Science communicator Warren Hurley will pick you up in his electric minivan, stopping at historic viewpoints and explaining the area’s geological history along the way, before giving a one-hour guided tour of the sanctuary. Inquire for pricing.
As soon as you arrive at Orokonui, you’ll hear the sound of birdsong—a rarity today in much of NZ’s wilderness, due to predation. One of NZ’s newest wildlife sanctuaries—and one of the few on the South Island—Orokonui is a 307 hectare (759 acres) of regenerated bush. An opportunity to travel back in time and see Aotearoa as it once was, it’s fully fenced and predator-free. Here, you can see wild tūī (a type of honeyeater); kākā parrots; brightly colored takahē (flightless birds once thought to extinct); eels; Otago skinks; and tuatara (an ancient reptile). The two latter species do roam freely in the sanctuary, but since they’re difficult to find, some are kept in an enclosure for easy viewing. Feeders with viewing platforms also makes finding birdlife a breeze. There’s an on-site café; don’t come for the food, but do come for the view.
If you’re traveling without a car and would like to get to Orokonui Ecosanctuary in the most eco-friendly manner, call Whisper to the Birds (tel] 021/539-090). Science communicator Warren Hurley will pick you up in his electric minivan, stopping at historic viewpoints and explaining the area’s geological history along the way, before giving a one-hour guided tour of the sanctuary. Inquire for pricing.
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