A kiwi in the hand

It's a busy time of the year at Otorohanga's Kiwi House and Native Bird Park.

For those who enjoy a spot of easily accessible ornithology, there's many a fluffy chick that has hatched recently, including a selection of red-crowned parakeets, brown teal and New Zealand grey ducklings, along with three lively bush falcon chicks.

The park also runs a "kiwi watch" programme, where visitors can view kiwi in near-natural conditions.

At present, the resident kiwi are sitting on eggs that are due to hatch at the end of this year. A new aviary for wader birds has also opened.

Named for its bird life, the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park is just as famous for housing the country's largest collection of New Zealand reptiles.

Opening hours are 9am to 5pm daily. Entry is $9 for adults and $3 for 5- to 15-year-olds accompanied by adults. Under-5s visit free.

Contact: (07) 873 7391

fax (07) 873 7356

otokiwi@xtra.co.nz

Otorohanga Kiwi House