American tourist Phil Narodick has captured a "once in a lifetime" photograph of a flying Kea on the Kepler Track in Fiordland. Photo / Phil Narodick
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An American tourist has captured "once in a lifetime" photographs of a flying kea on the Kepler Track in Fiordland.
Californian man Phil Narodick was on a two week holiday with his fiance when he came across a curious and inquisitive kea swooping in around Mount Luxmore.
"I was hiking the Kepler Track with my fiance and we had spent our first night at Luxmore Hut which is above the treeline. We were warned about the kea and not to feed them," Narodick told the Herald.
"When it flew away it looked so beautiful that the next time it came back I whipped my iPhone out and started taking pictures of it and managed to get one that was amazing."
Narodick says the kea kept them company for about 15 to 20 minutes before it flew away.
The 33-year-old's up-close and personal interaction with the kea was one of the best moments of his life.
"My fiance was happy I spent more time focusing on the kea than her," he joked.
"It was the best trip of my life. The Kepler Track was the best part of the trip. The views were unparalleled."
The kea is a native New Zealand bird that is found in the forested and alpine regions of the South Island.
The native bird is nicknamed the "clown of the mountains" as they are notorious for exploring humans' backpacks, boots, and equipment while in the mountains.
Narodick says it won't be the last time he visits New Zealand an encourages Kiwis to explore their own backyard.
"I was blown away. I've been saying to friends since I've come home I can't recommend New Zealand highly enough.