Natural Habitat

Early settlers in New Zealand were struck by the country’s beautiful dawn chorus. Today the wonders of that chorus have largely disappeared, but a visionary project to recreate the experience is under way at Maungatautari, an ecological reserve in the heart of the region. Along with this internationally significant project the Hamilton & Waikato region is home to a number of conservation and wildlife initiatives including the Otorohanga KiwiHouse and Native Bird Park and is known for its peat lakes and wetland environs.

A Haven for Birdlife

Kiwi are among many native birds to have been released at Maungatautari, an internationally significant sanctuary surrounded by 47km of pest-proof fence. Unhindered by pests, both flora and fauna are flourishing the way they once did in its 3400 hectare expanse. A walk along its well marked tracks gets you up close to a huge variety of native trees and plants, along with birds and insects.

Other threatened species being established among the regenerating native bush include the brightly coloured Takahe and Kokako along with the lively Hihi, or Stitchbird, which you are likely to see feeding in the showcase southern enclosure. Also in the southern enclosure, you can get up among the tree canopy on a 16 metre high viewing platform. A forest walk across the mountain takes about five to six hours and includes some wilder parts of the reserve. It is rewarded with stunning views across the countryside and as far as Mt Ruapehu to the South. Or take a guided night walk that starts with a two-course dinner before the host reveals how the bush comes alive under cover of darkness – listen for the call of the Kiwi, and see native Weta and spiders. Even the protected native Hochstetter’s frog was rediscovered at Maungatautari during pest proofing work, having survived against the odds.

It all adds up to a remarkable experience of New Zealand native flora and fauna. The full diversity of that wildlife is experienced by taking in other areas of native bush as well, with each one offering something different. The region’s peat lakes, the largest grouping in the country, offer refuges for many unique plant and animal species while Mt Pirongia, is home to the remarkable and threatened wood rose (Dactylanthus taylorii).

Meanwhile, at the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Bird Aviary, you are guaranteed to see the kiwi in nocturnal enclosures. There is also a large dome aviary and the chance to learn about New Zealand’s rare birds. Plus you can see the tuatara, a unique reptile that provides a living link to the world of the dinosaurs.

Hamilton Zoo also boasts a tuatara and a large free-flight aviary where, if you’re lucky, a Kaka, similar to a large parrot, will alight on your shoulder. Plus through the zoo’s community education and conservation programmes ‘Eye2Eye’ and ‘Face2Face’ visitors are able to meet some of the species, feed them and assist with their daily husbandry.