Birding spots around Taupo

[BerndHuss]

I will be in Taupo over the next 2 weeks doing the family Xmas thing and I would appreciate a few tips in regards of some spots to visit.
I don't know the area too well and I intend to go out looking for some birdies. Nothing in particular, but anything that we don't have here in the South Island like Whiteheads for example. Thanks

[Michael Szabo]

Turangi is good - down by the river walk there are blue ducks sometimes near the swingbridge. I've also seen NZ falcon and whitehead there near the swingbridge and cuckoos are also possible. The area by the old wharf at Tokaanu isn't that far. That' can be good for wetland birds like fernbird and NZ dabchick and both bittern and crake also possible. Royal spoonbills and black-billed gulls also in the area plus NZ scaup and shovelers.

[BerndHuss]

Thanks Michael, I'll check them out.