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See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.

The impressive Mt. Cook (Aoraki), the highest point in New Zealand. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Generally speaking, luck was on our side for this year's New Zealand tour. The weather here is typically changeable, and rain can often be a part of the equation. But aside from a few good rainstorms, we actually fared remarkably well with the weather. On top of that, we also fared pretty well with most of the specialty birds and wildlife. As islands go, the country of New Zealand is made up in large part by two of the largest (both in the top 15 based on area). Our tour afforded nearly three weeks to explore the riches of these two, along with smaller and more tranquil Stewart Island.

No one can argue that the New Zealand of today is in any way like that which existed prior to the arrival of the Maori, and later, the Europeans. It must have been quite a sight carpeted nearly completely with tall native forest, home to such notable beasts as the giant Haast Eagle, and some ten species of moas, an endemic order of birds, the Dinornithiformes. There were still Huias, Piopios, Laughing Owls, Bush Wrens and the like. Land clearing, habitation, and the introduction of numerous land predators has forever changed the landscape. Yet despite that, New Zealand remains a fascinating and unique place.

The land birds of New Zealand are some of the more fascinating ones around, and several of the families are found only here. Some are quite distinctive, and none more so than the bizarre kiwis. As our Okarito guide Ian pointed out, kiwis have in many ways adapted to living the lifestyle of a nocturnal mammal in the absence of true native land mammals. We were fortunate to see two members of this secretive family. There were other endemic families, too. We saw both Kea and Kaka, two members of the Strigopidae or New Zealand parrots, and we also saw the two extant members of the Acanthisittidae, the New Zealand Wrens. Genetics have shown them to be the most primitive members of the passerines. And then there were the distinctive members of the endemic Callaeidae family, the two saddlebacks and the Kokako, each with their distinctive wattles. In addition, the Stitchbird is now in its own endemic family, the Notiomystidae.

On top of having several endemic families of land birds, New Zealand truly shines in its pelagic environment. Owing in part to numerous small, offshore islands and rich, high biomass-laden waters, New Zealand provides some of the best seabird and marine mammal watching opportunities in the world. We took advantage of a few opportunities to get out and sample these. Our pre-trip pelagic in the Hauraki Gulf was amazing, encountering huge rafts of shearwaters at times, along with a great mix of special birds. And in Kaikoura, we ventured just a short ways offshore to experience a nice assortment of species, and also had great looks at Sperm Whale and Dusky Dolphins in the process. And Stewart Island provided another opportunity to take in the pelagic environment.

Beyond the birdlife, New Zealand must rank right up near the top of scenic places to travel in. At times, the scenery was simply breathtaking. And with a rich cultural history, well told by our two excellent driver/guides, we were well informed of most things kiwi.

A special thanks to all of you for making this New Zealand trip such a pleasure to lead. It was great traveling around with you and I hope to do it again soon. I wish you all the best in birding.

-- Chris

KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 141 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa