Bird Sanctuary

A number of endangered species have been introduced to Mokoia Island, including the Weka, North Island Robin (Toutouwai), and Saddleback (Tieke). With Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experiences you may also see native birds such as the Pukeko (swamp hen), Papango (Teal), and Tui.

	Kiwi The Kiwi is the sole survivor of an ancient order of birds including the now extinct Moa. A flightless bird about the size of a domestic fowl, the kiwi has coarse, bristly, hair-like feathers and occurs only in New Zealand. Kiwi also live on Mokoia Island but are naturally shy birds and are usually only active at night.
	Tui The Tui's beautiful call can be heard ringing out through the bush. It is said the Tui is the first bird to sing in the morning, and the last bird to finish at night with its glorious chortling and chuckling before bursting into song.
	Saddleback (Tieke) The Saddleback takes its English name from the band of colour running across the adult bird’s back. According to Maori tradition the saddle marking was caused by the man–god Maui when he scorched the feathers of the bird after capturing the sun.
	Weka Wekas, or wood hens, are members of the rail family. Weka’s are ground based and are classed as a vulnerable species.
	North Island Robin (Toutouwai) The North Island Robin is one of our friendliest forest birds. Once widespread throughout the North Island, there are now only small populations across the centre of the Island from Taranaki to Bay of Plenty and on offshore islands, they are also found on Mokoia.
	Pukeko Pukeko, a member of the rail family which includes Weka, is really quite one of the most gorgeous of our birds. They are also called the Purple Swamp Hen or Purple Gallinule. They are birds that are full of character and can provide a lot of amusement for the observer.
	Kokako A species in New Zealand of so ancient that it is certain that they have been in this country since before New Zealand first became an oceanic island. The Kokako belongs with the extinct Huia and also Tieke, Saddleback, part of the wattlebird family. These birds are found nowhere else in the world.