Getting ready for birding in NZ

It's a great place for birding

New Zealand is a special place to visit no matter what your interests are. The spectacular scenery and landscapes are some of the finest anywhere in the world.

We give you this reference book

When you come birding with us, we send you the latest edition of the Field Guide to New Zealand Birds. This will assist with study and familiarization. (And a bit of airplane reading material on the trip to NZ !) In addition, GPS maps and topo maps, other titles, and reference materials are available.

Optics

Binoculars are almost as personal as your toothbrush so be sure to bring your favourite. We can organize suitable field glasses if required. A Baush & Lomb Discoverer 15X-60X scope is available to observe the birds. Details of your requirements for film can help us make certain extra supplies are always available.

Clothing

New Zealand weather, as a well-known NZ band sings, has been known to have four seasons in one day. It is highly changeable and one must be prepared. Warm and weather-proof clothing is important. We can provide excellent MacPac outdoor jackets if required. Solid comfortable footwear able to cope with all conditions will be essential. We will not be walking long distances but parts of the area to be visited involve some walking along forest tracks. A reasonable level of fitness is expected.

Click for a full range of up-to-date government weather reports.

New Zealand has no snakes or bears to worry you. However the sun can be extremely bright and UV protection is important It is essential to have sunglasses, sunscreen and head protection.

Maps covering our tour areas

On our web site we have a comprehensive set of large-scale maps you can use to explore your tour area long before you arrive.

Just click on the map to the right, and you will be taken to a series of ever-bigger maps showing the rivers, lakes, small towns and country roads you will visit during your time on tour. If you'd like more, specific information, please contact us.

Suggested Gear List for New Zealand Birding

Binoculars
Camera
Film / Batteries /re-charger unit suitable for 240 volts
Spotting Scope
Torch (flashlight)
Bathroom bag and laundry
Sun Screen
Hat
Walking stick or trek poles are optional
Sun Glasses
Bug Repellent
Stout Walking shoes/boots
Wet weather outer gear (Goretex rain jacket or over-trousers.)
Clothing (Suggest layered approach as weather can be variable.)
Long pants
Short Pants
Tee shirts (2)
Long sleeved shirt
Thermal or polyprops
Thermal jacket or vest
Casual clothes for evening

The luggage is requested to be kept to 20kg per person to assure ease of transport.

Food and Medicines

New Zealand has modern medical facilities and efficient rescue/helicopter services operating in the areas where we go birding. It is important to include adequate health/travel insurance as part of your travel protection. Be certain the cover applies to New Zealand because non-residents will be expected to cover the expense of any helicopter rescue or hospital care they receive while in the country. The old adage (metricized) rings true: a gram of prevention saves a kilo of cure. On our tours we will have emergency supplies and training to serve as a first line of assistance. GSP and communication protocols will assist with emergency services. If you have a medical condition or requirement that you think we should be aware of, please inform us.

Meals are included in the tour packages (with the exception of drinks) and there is some excellent cuisine to enjoy. If you have any special dietary requirements please tell us this when you book.

Our Environment Care Code

As an ecotourism business we want to take positive steps in helping to ensure the environment remains clean and green.

This Care Code has been developed by the Department of Conservation and we encourage our groups to follow it.

New Zealand Environment Care Code

Protect Plants and Animals
Treat New Zealand's forests and birds with care and respect. They are unique and many are rare.

Remove Rubbish
Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and can increase vermin and disease. Plan your visits to reduce rubbish, and carry out what you carry in.

Bury Toilet Waste
In areas without toilet facilities, bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from waterways, tracks, campsites, and huts.

Keep Streams and Lakes Clean
When cleaning and washing, take the water and wash well away from the water source. Because soaps and detergents are harmful to water-life, drain used water into the soil to allow it to be filtered. If you suspect the water may be contaminated, either boil it for at least thee minutes, or filter it, or chemically treat it.

Take Care with Fires
Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than fires. If you do use a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out by dousing it with water and checking the ashes before leaving.

Camp Carefully
When camping, leave no trace of your visit.

Keep to the Track
By keeping to the track, where one exists, you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants.

Consider Others
People visit the back country and rural areas for many reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who also have a right to enjoy the natural environment.

Respect Our Cultural Heritage
Many places in New Zealand have a spiritual and historical significance. Treat these places with consideration and respect.

Enjoy Your Visit
Enjoy your outdoor experience. Take a last look before leaving an area; will the next visitor know you have been there?