Good kea (and other birds) spots within a few hours of Wanaka?

[Oskar]

Hi all,

I'm in Wanaka for a week. My main birding goal is to get some photos of kea. I know that skifield carparks are good, but are there any other more natural areas where I might find them? I've checked ebird but am not sure if some areas might be more reliable than others.

Also would be interested to hear about other good spots. I will try to see the crested grebes in the lake and maybe the yellowheads around the Haast Pass parking.

Willing to drive a few hours and walk a lot.

Thanks!

[David Riddell]

If you're heading towards Haast Pass then it's well worth stopping at the Blue Pools. There were very good numbers of yellowheads when I was there, a small flock crossed the path in front of me at knee height. Plenty of other bush birds as well.

[Oskar]

Thanks David. We went to blue pools and the haast pass lookout today. Unfortunately no yellow crowned kakariki and no kea (except 1 or 2 heard in the distance).

Blue pools:
1 New Zealand Pigeon
6 Rifleman
3 Bellbird
12 Grey Warbler
1 Yellowhead (Mohua)
1 Brown Creeper
5 New Zealand Fantail
8 Tomtit/Snares Tomtit

Mount Aspiring NP -- Haast Pass Walk
1 Kea -- Heard calling down the valley
9 Rifleman
3 Bellbird
6 Grey Warbler
1 Brown Creeper