Arthurs Pass

[Bencrowson89]

Hello fellow birders,

In about 2 weeks time I am heading from Arrowtown, where I live, up the west coast across Arthur's Pass and then down past mount cook for a birding trip, I was just looking for some more exact information on my targets.

1. Rock Wren- I can see the Otira Valley seems to be the best shot just wondering if someone had more precise information on where to scan/if there's another site of very recent sightings.

2. Blue Duck- I see there's a site near Hokitika but I can't find out much information about this or maybe Arthur's pass there's a decent shot at it?

3. Orange fronted parakeet- very difficult I think in the Hawdon Valley now it seems but any upto date information would be appreciated.

4. Little Penguins- Akaroa/any good spots where I don't have to join a tour.

5. Kaki- I will pass Mt Cook/glentanner on the way home just more specifics on exact sites.

6. Great spotted kiwi- I already know the answer to this one..but if you don't try you don't succeed!

Thanks in advance

Ben

[CMKMStephens]

1. They theoretically can be found from around from the boulder fields after the footbridge over the stream, but you may need to go all the way up to the actual basin at the head of the valley. It took me something like seven tries at all times of year over the last few years before seeing them March last year here: https://basemaps.linz.govt.nz/#@-42.898 ... 0,z19.0449

2. Hokitika one will be Kawhaka Creek/the hydro power canal: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3539745 around here: https://basemaps.linz.govt.nz/#@-42.754 ... 6,z16.2796

5. Tasman River delta in the afternoon/evening: https://basemaps.linz.govt.nz/#@-43.910 ... 4,z15.3009

But can turn up at pretty much any pond/tarn/lake margin.

[Samsperdy]

Hi Ben,
I have seen little blue penguins at Flea bay (4WD access required). They have penguin boxes around there and part of the beach is private land in-which only allow access to tour groups, though you can still sometimes see the penguins if your lucky.
For Kaki, I would search near and around lakes in the Mackenzie Basin and some braided rivers too. At this time of year I believe they can be spread all over the country.
Cheers,
Sam

[Wrybill]

For Little Penguins I believe there are some at Haast

[Bencrowson89]

Thanks so much for the information everyone, hopefully a few long awaited targets will be seen!

Ben