Checking the weather forecast paid off. The rain was expected to ease during the morning, so we decided to head to Staglands Wildlife Reserve in Upper Hutt early before the crowds arrived. It turned out to be the perfect plan. Although it was still raining while we explored the reserve, the sun appeared just as we were leaving. At the same time, the car park was rapidly filling with visitors, making our early start well worthwhile.
Watching the Kea Wake Up
Our first stop was the kea aviary, where we watched two kea calling to each other. One bird seemed determined to interact with the other, while its companion appeared completely uninterested. Interestingly, their behaviour had changed by the time we returned later in the morning. That encounter deserves its own story, so I’ll be sharing it in my next blog post. If you enjoy New Zealand’s native parrots, it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Taking Shelter with the Leucistic Peacocks
When the rain briefly became heavier, we took shelter beside the guinea pigs and rabbits. Nearby, we discovered a group of beautiful leucistic peacocks. Their brilliant white plumage looked almost magical against the grey, rainy backdrop. I can’t wait to see them wandering freely around the reserve once they have fully settled into their new surroundings.
Colourful Birds in the Toetoe Aviary
The Toetoe Aviary was another highlight of our visit. Several colourful ringneck parrots happily posed for photographs, making them wonderful photography subjects. Even more surprising was spotting the king parrots. I don’t remember seeing them there before, and until now I had only ever encountered king parrots in Australia, making this a particularly memorable sighting.
A Rainy Day Was Perfect for the Whio
Before leaving the aviary, we stopped to admire a sleepy whio perched on top of a post. It kept one eye on us while the raindrops effortlessly rolled off its feathers. It really was perfect weather for ducks.
Warming Up at the Staglands Café
As the rain finally eased, we decided it was the ideal time for an early lunch and a hot drink. The café’s roaring fire quickly warmed us up while we enjoyed a delicious meal. It was the perfect way to finish a peaceful morning exploring Staglands Wildlife Reserve before the reserve became busy with visitors.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II using my Leica 100-400mm lens. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.