Native Birds on Waiheke

Native Birds You Might See on Waiheke Island

Discover the Feathered Treasures of the Hauraki Gulf with Ananda Tours

Waiheke Island isn’t just known for its vineyards and beaches — it’s also a sanctuary for an incredible range of native and migratory birds. With lush pockets of regenerating bush, quiet coastal wetlands, and predator control zones, the island offers fantastic birdwatching for nature lovers of all levels.

At Ananda Tours, we’re passionate about sharing the island’s natural beauty. Here are some of the unique and fascinating birds you might spot while exploring Waiheke with us.

Tūī

The tūī is one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive native birds, known for its iridescent blue-green feathers and white throat tufts. Their song is an enchanting mix of melodic notes, clicks, and wheezes. Tūī are often seen feeding on flax, pōhutukawa, or kōwhai blossoms and are active throughout the island.

Pīwakawaka (Fantail)

Friendly and agile, the pīwakawaka is a small, energetic bird with a distinctive fan-shaped tail. These birds often flit around walkers in the bush, catching insects disturbed by your footsteps. Their lively presence and chirping calls are a favourite among both locals and visitors.

Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon)

Large and unmistakable, the kererū has glossy green and purple plumage and a heavy, whooshing flight. These birds are important seed dispersers for many native trees. You might see them perched high in the canopy or clumsily landing on branches after feasting on fruit.

Ruru (Morepork Owl)

The ruru, or morepork, is New Zealand’s only native owl. It is a nocturnal bird, most often heard rather than seen — its iconic “more-pork” call can be heard echoing through the forest at dusk or during the night. Spotting one is a rare and magical experience.

Kākā

Kākā are large forest parrots with reddish underbellies and strong personalities. Noisy and social, they’re often heard before they’re seen. Thanks to conservation work, kākā are making a comeback on Waiheke, particularly around areas of native bush and predator-controlled zones.

Bar-Tailed Godwit (Kuaka)

These migratory marvels travel thousands of kilometres from Alaska to New Zealand, making one of the longest non-stop flights in the bird world. They can be found feeding on Waiheke’s estuaries and mudflats during the warmer months, resting and refuelling before their return journey.

Kākāriki (Red-Crowned Parakeet)

Bright green and beautifully vocal, kākāriki are a delight to spot in the bush. These small parakeets are playful and active, darting between trees and occasionally pausing long enough for a clear view. Waiheke is one of the few places in the Hauraki Gulf where they’re being actively restored.

Weka

Often mistaken for kiwi, weka are curious, flightless birds with bold personalities. They are known for stealing shiny objects and foraging around campsites or forest paths. While not as common as other birds on Waiheke, weka may be seen in more remote bush areas or coastal fringes.

New Zealand Dotterel (Tūturiwhatu)

These endangered shorebirds nest on open sand above the high tide line. They are small, elegant, and vulnerable to disturbance. Waiheke has a number of protected nesting sites, and you may spot dotterels foraging along beaches like Onetangi or Whakanewha.

Variable Oystercatcher

Recognisable by their black plumage and bright red bills, variable oystercatchers are commonly seen patrolling beaches and rocky shorelines. They’re noisy, bold, and often spotted in pairs.

White-Faced Heron

These graceful birds are frequently seen in wetlands, tidal flats, and estuaries. With their long legs and deliberate movements, white-faced herons stalk small fish, insects, and crabs in shallow waters.

Explore the Wild Side of Waiheke with Ananda Tours

From native bush walks to coastal wetlands, Waiheke offers a rich and rewarding experience for bird lovers. 

Whether you’re an avid birder or simply enjoy the sound of birdsong on a scenic tour, we can tailor your experience to include Waiheke’s diverse and beautiful wildlife.

Get in touch to plan your nature-inspired escape with Ananda Tours.

Posted by Ananda Tours on October 28, 2024