16 Dec 2024

Observing the critically endangered Tāiko on Chatham Island

Heritage Adventurer anchored off Waitangi, the main hub of the Chatham Islands. The keen birders headed to Sweetwater Reserve to observe the critically endangered Chatham Island Tāiko in hand, which brought home the remarkable conservation success story surrounding this near-mythical bird. Others headed to the Awatotara Reserve, a large area of restored native vegetation, along with native birds—including the Chatham Island Pigeon, one of the largest pigeons in the world! Others visited Admiral Garden, a botanical treasure featuring various native plants.

After a morning of exploration, some of us enjoyed lunch at the legendary Hotel Chatham pub - the freshest of local fish and chips quenched with locally brewed beer.

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions