See the Kakapo
The kakapo (night parrot) is one of New Zealand's unique 'treasures' and with only 86 known surviving birds it is listed internationally as a critically endangered species.
Large, flightless and nocturnal, the kakapo is an eccentric parrot which can live for decades. It is not closely related to other parrots and, in fact, has a combination of biological features not shared by any other species. It is the only representative of a unique sub-family, /Strigops habroptilus/, which means 'owl-faced soft feathers' and has many features of an owl such as a soft plumage and almost fur-like discs around the eyes. With mossy-green and yellow feathers, camouflage is the bird's main form of defence.
The NZ Department of Conservation is making one male Kakapo available for the public to see. Very few people have ever seen one of these birds. This rare and unique parrot was thought to be extinct, until a few birds were discovered in Fiordland and Stewart Island in the 1970's and 80's. The few birds that remain are now on protected offshore Islands in the hope they will breed. Access to these islands is restricted.
However from early August to early October there will be the opportunity to visit Ulva Island on Stewart Island to see one of these birds. You will travel by boat in the late evening to the Island where you will be taken to a special enclosure where it will be possible to see this bird. Numbers of visitors are limited so if you want to take advantage of this unique opportunity e-mail or phone us today and we will make arrangements for you to participate.
