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New Zealand is rich with bird life, some natives and some imported. The most famous is the flightless Kiwi, a nocturnal bird with a long beak, at the end of which are its nostrils, where it smells out its grubs and worms.
Many birds are migratory and therefore the bird life changes with the seasons. Eg Canada Goose and New Zealand’s own shining cuckoo.
Many imported species have made themselves very much at home eg Black Swans. Note there are very few white swans in New Zealand, the majority being of novelty value and found in animal or theme parks.
Then there are the hosts of garden species and of course, beside the lake at Nicara Lodge, there are various breeds of duck, cormorants (shag) and waders like the white-faced heron.
Only 5km away is Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust, the only falconry centre in New Zealand. See all of New Zealand’s Birds of prey - Falcon, harrier (Hawk) and Morepork (owl). A daily tour of the falconry, commencing at 1.30pm followed by “flying” the falcons at 2.00pm, is a great experience.
Only 5km away, in the other direction, is Kiwi Encounter, the largest rearing programme in New Zealand for the endangered Kiwi.
Since opening, over 700 kiwi chicks have been reared. A tour of the nursery is a must. Tours depart hourly. At nearby Rainbow Springs they have an outdoor kiwi enclosure. It is best to visit at night (open to 11.00pm) and view this nocturnal native in its natural surroundings. That is a real thrill. The night tour can also be taken as an add on to the highly recommended Mitai Maori Cultural Show and dinner, with pick ups from Nicara Lodge at 5.45 pm.
In the middle of Lake Rotorua is the bird sanctuary island of Mokoia, the home of numerous New Zealand saddlebacks and North Island Robins. Accessible by boat from the Nicara Lodge jetty (subject to lake level), the short 20 minutes ride over the lake itself is a great experience.
Special “Twitcher's Nest” Package: includes 3 nights in a lakeview room, complimentary entry to Wingspan and Rotorua Museum. | Rates: Twitcher's Nest (3 nights in lakeview room) |
Rate | Rate From | Rate To | Single | Double |
| Special Rate | 01/03/09 | 30/09/10 | $1,100.00 | $1,350.00 |
For Bookings, please Contact Us