Kiwi spotting adventure
Have you experienced the wonder of seeing a kiwi in the wild?
The kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, is instantly recognisable all over the world. But while once abundant and a part of everyday pre-European life, few people get to see or hear kiwi today. That stands true for New Zealanders, and tourists, alike.
But that’s not the case for those staying at Luxury Villas of New Zealand properties in the Bay of Islands. Kiwi spotting signature experiences are on offer at two villa resorts, following extensive work to eradicate pests and restore the natural habitats for these flightless treasures.
Luxury Villas of New Zealand’s Vicki Febery recently had the opportunity to try the kiwi spotting experience at Eagles Nest first hand and shares the adventure.
As someone born in New Zealand, (a human ‘kiwi’, if you will), I grew up knowing our flightless taonga (treasure) were vulnerable – and had only seen kiwi in enclosures at the zoo. So, it was hugely compelling to be offered the chance to see them – IN THE WILD – while staying at Eagles Nest recently.
The beloved North Island Brown Kiwi can be found across Eagles Nest’s 75-acre peninsula property. Their distinctive call is often heard around the villas not long after dusk and before dawn.
On my first evening at Eagles Nest, I was accompanied by host Kim as we were guided by Douglas, who has lived in the region for more than 40-years. Armed with a special red flashlight (which Kiwi can’t see), we stealthily walked the forest tracks right behind my villa.
According to Douglas, the secret to seeing kiwi is to be very quiet – he reported that he often sees a couple of kiwi a night provided guests follow that instruction – although it’s never guaranteed. I was on notice to stay quiet to reap the kiwi rewards.
Douglas was a fount of knowledge, so I found it hard being completely silent – I had so many questions – and Douglas had many stories. I especially loved hearing how he had a kiwi run right over his toes on one recent outing.
After around 15-minutes of furtive walking, we heard scraping in the bushes nearby…and Douglas shone his light as a retreating kiwi scarpered away. I was surprised just how fast they are – it was gone in a flash. Given their feet are their sole defence mechanism, it shouldn’t have surprised me how fast they were – but their round bodies and large rear end don’t exactly seem built for speed, so surprised I was.
It was another 10 minutes before Kim stopped in her tracks and signalled to us. She shone her torch off the track – a second bird. The kiwi was oblivious to the red light illuminating it. We stood transfixed as it scratched at the forest floor and poked its highly sensitive beak into the undergrowth sensing prey – then it walked across the track just beyond us. Then…it too dashed away.
It was an extraordinary experience – one I feel privileged to have witnessed. Our silence and stealth had been handsomely rewarded.
Ahead of my guided tour, I had been determined to head out again the following night if I was unlucky on my first foray at kiwi spotting. Each villa at Eagles Nest contains a ‘Kiwi Kit’, with red-light torches and information for guests to take a self-guided walk just after dusk.
The private guided kiwi walk I went on with Douglas lasts approximately one hour, with proceeds donated to Project Island Song, a local conservation charity doing incredible work in the region to eradicate pests and bring back endangered wildlife (and bird song) to islands in the bay.
I highly recommend the kiwi walk signature experiences and loved being out at night. “Even the chance to be in the bush at night is thrilling for many tourists,” says Douglas. “They get a real buzz knowing there’s nothing that’s going to kill them in our forests. And many just stop and admire the night sky around the resort too. You don’t see those stars in the big cities.”
Kiwi aren’t the only birds benefiting from the conservation work in the region. During my time at Eagles Nest, I easily spotted 8 of the 10 species featured on Eagles Nest’s newly created ‘Bird Spotter’ sheet. “We hope that it will both educate and entertain guests,” says property General Manager, Adam Howard. He went on to say “guests who are able to take a picture of the kiwi (using the red torch light) will be given a kiwi toy with a certificate.” This will help build a picture of where they are on the property – and help further in their conservation efforts.
Approximately 2000 brown kiwi now reside on the Russell peninsula (where Eagle’s Nest is located). And, in Kerikeri some 200 call The Landing’s 1000-acres home.
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Images (L-R): (1) Kiwi spotting kits are provided in all villas; (2) the Peninsula that is home to Eagles Nest; (3) Guests can hear kiwi below Rahimoana’s deck, (4) a great spot to stop and listen for kiwi, (5) Bird Life at Eagles Nest spotting sheet - can you spot all 10?, (6) a kiwi illuminated by red light in a nearby garden
ABOUT:
Eagles Nest
Eagles Nest is an exclusive 75-acre Bay of Islands villa retreat, where five luxuriously appointed villas are perched atop a cliff with panoramic views - for the utmost in privacy, security, and seclusion. The five luxuriously appointed villas can be booked separately or combined in a variety of configurations to accommodate up to 30 guests across 15 bedrooms at the retreat..
Luxury Villas of New Zealand (LVNZ)
LVNZ is an outstanding collection of private-stay residences, stations, and estates, assuring guests of spectacular experiences. LVNZ are design masterpieces, set in secluded and breathtaking landscapes. They offer the highest quality of hospitality, proven sustainability in action and embrace the Tiaki Promise – a commitment to the care of New Zealand now and for future generations. Villas in the portfolio include romantic one- or two-bedroom cottages, standalone villas that sleep up to 16, and several multi-villa properties capable of hosting multi-generational families and groups up to 34.
A stay at a Luxury Villas of New Zealand property provides confidence of exceptional quality at every level.
Key unifiers across this exquisite portfolio are:
✅ Seclusion and privacy
✅ Stunning locations
✅ Interesting architecture, art and sculpture
✅ An embrace of the Tiaki Promise
✅ Proven Sustainability in Action
✅ Consistent exceptional quality of service, cuisine and amenities
✅ Signature onsite activities
✅ Concierge services
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