Travelling on

Aug. 7

Today we made our way to Te anau. We didn't get the earliest of starts but that's o.k.; it's supposed to be a vacation right? Unfortunately we didn't see too much of the town when we got there 'cause it was quite rainy and misty out. We decided to have a night in and made a pretty good supper on our 3 hob stove. Pan-fried Ribeye boiled potatoes, and broccoli & peas. Later on we made tea and played Munchkin. Sam came from behind and won! Geoff & Catriona walked down to town but it was poor visibility and they didn't get to see much. We lucked out on our campsite here  (Lakeview holiday park)- only $36 and the owner gave us cards for free wifi. We weren't sure if we were staying 1 night or 2 as we were hoping to take a tour to Milford Sound/ We had finally decided on a tour company to go with and booked but unfortunately the roads down there were closed so no go. It was possible to go from Queenstown too, but it's a longer trip. We decided to head to head to Queenstown anyway and play it by ear.

Before we left we visited the DOC park office and went on a little bird tour with the Te anau Wildlife Centre down the road. They feed the Takahe at 10:30 in the winter so we made it in time for that. We also fed the Paradise duck, some very persistent Mallards and some fellow Canadains - geese, that is. Some of the birds we saw that morning we would have very little chance of seeing in the wild. The Takahe for sure but also the Morepork (owl) and the Kaka (parrots). The park officer said the Kaka were very shy and didn't really get tame around people. One of the birds then landed on her shoulder and tried to climb her arm to get the tasty treats. Birds like to make liars of
you!

Takahe

 "Wilson" the Paradise Duck

Kaka

Wax Eye

Also present was one Kea. Really sweet! It counts as half a sighting for me - I'm still not leaving until I see one in the wild. This particular Kea didn't get along to well in the Auckland zoo so he came here and is much happier.

Kea

Just wanted to add that the guides and volunteers at the park are really great and knowledgeable. They do great work here with rehabilitation and breeding of the Takahe. Worth the trip!