Story: Birdwatching

Wildlife sanctuaries

Wildlife sanctuaries

Birdwatchers can find the greatest numbers and diversity of birds in sanctuaries where there are few or no pests. You need a Department of Conservation permit to visit closed sanctuaries such as Kāpiti Island, whereas open sanctuaries can be visited more freely. Fenced sanctuaries – Zealandia, Maungatautari and others – exclude mammalian predators from hundreds or thousands of hectares. The birds can breed safely, although they are still free to fly in and out. Mainland islands are large unfenced areas within National Parks or other reserves where pests are well controlled. Most fenced sanctuaries and mainland islands are open to the public, and there are many ways to become involved as a volunteer.

Using this item

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Gordon Ell, 'Birdwatching - A land of birds', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/11932/wildlife-sanctuaries (accessed 20 March 2024)

Story by Gordon Ell, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015