Bush birds near SH1 for limited mobility birding

[Iain _Thorpe]

Here's a photo of a North Island Robin taken on the Tongariro River trail about 100m north of the Te Aho Road car park in Turangi and within 200m of State Highway 1. That's fairly easy access for birders with limited mobility, I think.

Also commonly seen around the river trail are Whio, Karearea, Whiteheads and Bellbirds, as well as many others. I haven't seen Tomtits however. But they, Riflemen, Long-Tailed Cuckoo and Yellow-browed kakariki are nearby at Rotopounamu for those who can manage a bush walk. I have heard Fernbird in the region but not yet seen them

At the southern edge of Lake Taupo and Tokaanu there are Dabchicks amongst the other waterfowl. The gravel roads through the raupo swamps are worth a careful dawn visit to hear Bitterns booming and maybe see a Spotless Crake. There may also be Marsh Crake but I have not heard or seen them.

[Jake]

Two similarly fantastic spots for birding right on a highway are Pūkaha (Mt Bruce) car park, which I frequently get Riflemen, Whiteheads, Kakariki, Kaka, and Falcons,

And Lake Elterwater, which has its platform only ~20 metres from the parking site. I really love the idea of birdability for those of us with limitations