A-Z of NZ Locations

A-Z of NZ Locations – Zealandia

Suzanne

I was excited about venturing into Zealandia on an early Spring day. I even managed to get organised and pack a scrumptious lunch for us. A picnic listening to birdlife with abundant bush seemed a perfect combination.

Then, low and beyond, the weather was to dictate the length of our stay in this fantastic protected bush area. What a surprise it was to have outdoor plans ruined by rain. I know. Guess who forgot to pack rainproof gear and umbrellas? What can I say? An unrealistic optimism. Even with the accompanying rain gear, it wasn’t going to help make the day any more enjoyable. The rain was too heavy.

All was not lost, and I did manage to capture the beautiful Kaka, and I hope to return one day to give the area the time it deserves, hopefully sooner rather than later.

A Snippet About Zealandia

It’s fair to say that this beautiful eco-sanctuary is Wellington’s hidden treasure.

Not five minutes from the city, this valley is a 225-ha native bush sanctuary surrounded by a predator-proof fence. There are two reservoir lakes and many walking tracks through the bush. Kiwi can be heard calling at night, and other native birds, such as the Saddleback and Kaka, not generally seen in Wellington, can be spotted in the bush or flying overhead. Tuatara lizards can also be spotted.

The Kaka

The Kaka – looking very inquisitive

Generally heard before they are seen, Kaka are large, forest-dwelling parrots found on the two main islands here in New Zealand and several offshore islands. Much reduced in range and abundance in the North and South islands due to forest clearance and predation by introduced mammals, Kaka is most abundant on offshore islands that have no introduced mammals, or at least no stoats.

They remain locally common at some sites on the main islands close to offshore island refuges and have increased in abundance at others where mammalian pests have been controlled. Kaka can be found in various native forest types, including podocarp and beech forests. They are a common sight in Wellington, spreading from Zealandia / Karori Sanctuary.

Kaka feeding

One thing to look forward to seeing is the distinctive Gothic-style Valve Tower at this Ecosanctuary; this tower and reservoir were completed in 1878 to provide drinking water to the young city of Wellington. Both were decommissioned in the mid-1990s when the idea of converting the whole water catchment valley into a wildlife sanctuary was approved.

How it was that day along the coast

Wellington Harbour
Paekakariki beach

I have now reached the end of my alphabetical A-Z of NZ Locations. From now on, I will randomly introduce more places and events around New Zealand in between other topics.

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Published by Suzanne

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32 thoughts on “A-Z of NZ Locations – Zealandia”

  1. We had a very short visit to New Zealand last October to visit my youngest daughter and all visited Zealandia while we were there. I don’t think I will ever get used to the cries of New Zealand’s birds (I think it is the Tui that haunts me).
    It was the day after our visit that a weasel was spotted on the wrong side of the predator fencing designed to keep non-native mammals away from the indigenous wildlife.
    It wasn’t us. Honest.

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    1. Yes, I remember reading about your visit, Cathy. At Zealandia, the birds song is full on and the tui has a tune that is unique, though I do enjoy seeing and hearing it. In small doses. I believe you regarding the weasel though hopefully you have a good albi just in case.

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    1. Cheers, Janis. We do have a wonderful array of birds. Though in many bush areas the lack of song is missed when out tramping. That would be due to predators. So, makes places like Zealandia very special.

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  11. Well done on finishing the A-Z not easy! I hadn’t known that NZ had three main islands, Stewart Island? Though I knew there are islands off Auckland. I saw kaka and kea and kiwis at Otorohanga Kiwi House. You have some lovely native birds.

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    1. Good grief, we only have two main islands. That was my error. Did I mention I never had a job as a proofreader 😆 I never check my writing thoroughly.
      Yes, we do have beautiful birds. I love the dawn chorus, and now I need my hearing aids to hear them clearly.
      Otorohanga is an unusual place, quirky.

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    1. NZ on many days has four seasons in one day. The Wellington area is more likely to have evil winds and weather that’s challenging. Though I never usually allow weather to rule what we do, just this day it did.

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  14. I made several attempts to comment, but my Firefox browser told me your site would not accept them. I tried again using Google, but this time, it said Duplicate comment! So you might now have several comments from me! 😂

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