Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT) is offering people the chance to see and touch a kiwi.
The Kiwi Health Check experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about, see, touch and possibly hold a kiwi. The health checks are part of MEIT's regular programme to monitor the health ofthe population of wild kiwi which live on Maungatautari, an important kohanga (nursery) for western brown kiwi.
MEIT general manager Malcolm Anderson says he is excited to offer the opportunity for visitors to have such a close encounter with their national bird.
"While we expect international visitors to seize the opportunity, we've been delighted by the number of locals interested in taking part. It is still extremely rare for New Zealanders to see a kiwi in the wild, and many locals will only have seen them in zoos, let alone have had the opportunity to touch one."
Health check visits are limited to a maximum of six people per experience. The next checks will take place on October 20 and October 27.
The introduction of the Kiwi Health Check experience is part of MEIT's broader visitor strategy which aims to create a closer connection between the conservation project and the community.
Book kiwi health checks online at www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/tours.
