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Before the arrival of the Polynesians a few hundreds of
years ago New Zealand (Aotearoa = "land of the long white cloud") was inhabited almost exclusively by birds for millions
of years. Many became flightless in the total absence of predatory animals -
the giant Moa may still have existed when the first Europeans sailed around
New Zealand but today unfortunately are extinct. There are excellent
displays at various City Museums also roadside replicas as above - some of
these giant birds were up to 3 metres (10 feet) high. Very much larger than
our national emblem the Kiwi which is a close relative of the now extinct
Moa. In the upper North
Island giant Kauri trees are preserved in the Forest Parks of Northland -
some of these enormous trees began life 2,000 or more years ago but many
were sacrificed for shipbuilding and construction purposes before total
protection was placed upon the remainder in recent years. |
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An incredible variety of mosses, lichens, fungi and ferns
in forests throughout the North and South Islands, From miniature ferns
to giant tree ferns 12 metres (40 feet) high. NO snakes, NO wild animals - a
paradise for nature lovers; just be wary of the weather and the terrain. |
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The array of unique native birdlife is
not as plentiful as that which greeted the first human visitors to New
Zealand but there's plenty to keep nature lovers entertained throughout vast areas of
protected indigenous native forest in the North and South Islands; also Stewart Island's
Rakiura National Park off the south coast of the South Island where some of
the best displays of native birdlife are to be found. |
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Some of the Worlds rarest penguins
such as the "Yellow-Eyed" are to be found around the coastline of the South
Island. Elsewhere you may also get to see some of the Worlds rarest land
birds such as the flightless Takahe which was rediscovered in 1948, the
first sighting for about 50 years. The Takahe's close relative the Pukeko
(also known as the "Swamp Hen") is relatively common - almost flightless
(can fly but usually prefers to walk rather than fly). |
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The inquisitive Weka (also flightless)
may occasionally be seen disappearing into vegetation on the roadside;
beautiful song-birds such as the nectar feeding Tui and Bell-Bird are common
in many parts of New Zealand however the Worlds only alpine Parrot, the Kea
(above), lives amongst the high mountains of the South Island only. The Kaka
(below) a close relative of the Kea prefers the forest canopy and although
rare on the main islands is very common on Stewart Island. |
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Cruising the majestic fiords of
Fiordland accompanied by Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals,
Fiordland Crested Penguins, surrounded by forest clad cloud piercing
mountains of solid granite, countless waterfalls - a truly unforgettable
experience and inevitably the high-point of a New Zealand tour. |
