We headed out on the ferry from Picton, south Island to Wellington, North island on August 26.  The weather was not very good for viewing, foggy, rainy and windy, oh and did I mention cold….

I did see a few things from the deck…

Spotted Shag

I’m thinking White-capped Albatross

I was pouring when we reached Wellington but it was the only heavy rain we had in New Zealand.

Great view and  sunrise through our window…

Next morning under clear skies we visited Zealandia, a must for anyone who wants to see native birds.  These birds can fly in and out of the sanctuary, the fence keeps the introduced predators out.

Why The Fence

Why the fence is so high.

The sanctuary covers 225 hectares (over 550 acres)

There is a bit of climbing involved..

There are awesome birds found here that allow you to get close…

New Zealand Pigeon

Grey Warbler

Pied Cormorant

They have a pair of Takahe, who’ve been together for a long time and can no longer breed so they were moved here to make room for younger birds on Mana Island.  They are called Puffin and T2, very approachable.

Bellbird

Stitchbird

Kakariki – Red-crowned Parakeet

Kaka

Saddleback

Tui

New Zealand Parrot

A surprising European introduction – Dunnock

Beautiful paradise Duck

A very interesting selection of paintings on the wall

A bird I really wanted to see a Kakapo0, was on loan to the another sanctuary…would have like to see this bird.

Outside the coffee shop was a sign that caught Sue’s attention…

A reminder that things aren’t always safe…

There were a few endangered Lizards…

Tuatara

Wellington Green Gecko

We had a bit of time left so we visited the Cable Car Museum nearby, small but cool, with lovely views of Wellington.

That night there was a game between The All Blacks (New Zealand) and the Wallabies (Australia) so we grabbed some wine and did what everyone else in the country was doing, watched the game.  The view helped.

Next morning we explored Wellington, walked a bit downtown and visited the Museaum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa, some of the areas in the museum, photos are not allowed.  I would have loved to show you the Maori area but you’ll have to visit on your own for that one.

I would have loved to find a Morpork Owl.

New and Old

This map was particularly sad of how much forest has been destroyed

Norway Rat with poison pellet

Kakapo

A Kakako, another bird I tried hard to see…

North we go….

Ciao for now