BirdingNZ.net

Hi All,

A friend and I have just booked the e-ko tours 'Blumine and Motuara in One Day' trip for Tuesday the 23rd of April (the day after Easter Monday). http://www.e-ko.nz/tours/blumine-and-motuara-in-one-day
The trip needs 6 passengers to go ahead so I thought I'd post here incase anyone was considering a visit, increasing the likelihood of it going ahead!

The boat leaves Picton at 8.15am for a 9am drop off at Blumine, then we get picked up from Blumine at 2.30pm and taken to Motuara Island for a couple of hours I assume. Total trip is 9-10 hours. Cost is $190 per person.

I've been to both island before and they are an easy way to spot a lot of birds in a short space of time. I'm hoping to see the Orange Fronted Kakariki this time!

Let me know if anyone is keen! You can book direct through the e-ko tours website.
Melissa.

Hi Melissa,
I'm currently in Picton, hoping to get to Blumine Island on the 23rd as well. I wouldn't go to Motuara, but maybe we'll meet on Blumine if your tour goes ahead.
Do you know if King shags can be seen from land on Blumine, or if I need to hope that the water taxi comes near some on the way in or out?

Hi Samuel,
Picton seems like the place to be at the moment!
I don't think King Shags can be seen from Blumine island, but I'm not sure sorry. Some of the e-ko tours can take you to see them on their roosting rocks, or maybe your water taxi could detour if they know where they hang out. I took the e-ko 'birding tour' a few years ago which takes you close to them.
It looks like my tour has enough numbers to go ahead. Might see you on Blumine! Apparently beside the campsite near the stream is the place to spot the Orange Fronted Kakariki if that's what you're going for
Melissa.

They’re usually seen on the peninsula facing south from blumine island so I suspect you’d see them on your way past? (I’ve not visited blumine before so could be wrong however)

I couldn't make it in the end (price/weather/availability), sadly, but I hope you had fun there! I'll have to go back, one day :p

Hi Samuel, well you picked a good day to miss. It rained pretty hard all day and we had to walk an hour just to find cover, then hunkered down for the day. Still managed to see the Orange Fronted Parakeets though (as well as Saddlebacks, Tomtits, Weka, Bellbirds, Black Morph & Pied Fantails & Tui). And saw some King Shags on the way to Motuara Island after Blumine.