A bit of rain is never enough to keep us away from Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Ecosanctuary, especially when the weather report promises only scattered showers. Armed with cameras and rain jackets, we set off into the valley, knowing that while people might hesitate in wet weather, the birds certainly don’t.
Despite the drizzle, bird activity was high throughout the sanctuary. Almost as soon as we started walking down the main track, the unmistakable calls of kākā echoed through the trees. With berries abundant at this time of year, several kākā were feasting overhead, completely unfazed by the rain as we wandered beneath them.
Wetland Encounters
Our next stop was the wetland area, where a kingfisher (kōtare) was perched quietly on a nearby branch. Just as I lifted my camera to focus, a tūī swooped in and chased it off. After a short wait and a bit of patience, we managed to locate the kingfisher again. Although it was further away this time, I was pleased to capture at least one image of it before it disappeared deeper into the vegetation.
Kākā Antics and Feeder Activity
The kākā were particularly active around their supplementary feeders, providing endless entertainment. I took the opportunity to rest for a while, simply watching their playful behaviour as they squabbled, climbed, and called loudly above us.
Further along, near the Beech Track, the korimako (bellbird) and hihi (stitchbird) feeders were busy. Both species visited briefly, darting in and out quickly. I was fortunate to capture a few frames of a korimako fledgling before it vanished back into the canopy. A friendly bush robin then appeared, posing obligingly for a short time and delighting us with its close approach.
A Flitting Farewell
With hunger setting in, we decided to head back towards the café for lunch. Along the main track, we were treated to one final encounter, a juvenile pīwakawaka (fantail) flitting energetically through a nearby tree. True to form, it was fast and unpredictable, making photography a challenge, but I managed to capture a short sequence of images that I’m very happy with.
Final Thoughts
A walk in the rain at Zealandia is always rewarding. The damp conditions bring the forest to life, and the birds continue about their business regardless of the weather. Rain or shine, every visit offers something new, and this one was no exception.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II and Panasonic Leica 100-400 lens. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.