Tucked away beneath the Gondola at the summit of Brecon Street the Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown is a local institution for wildlife conservation and promotion. Conveniently located within easy reach of the heart of the downtown area, this iconic wildlife sanctuary set up in 1986 is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city drawing nature lovers young and old from across the country and the world at large. The brainchild of Dick Wilson and his inspiring family the Kiwi Birdlife Park was created on a site which was previously used as a garbage dump that was transformed thanks to the sheer determination of two generations of Wilsons who still run and manage the sanctuary.
Visitors can take a private tour of the parkland with an expert guide and explore the environs in groups of up to six guests. Offering hikers a behind-the-scenes look at the park’s wild life and daily operations those who opt for this type of tour will also get to have one-on-one encounters with its colourful inhabitants such as the Tuatara. Feeding activities are also available for visitors with a love for Kiwis although they must visit the park during the specific hours between 10.00am and 12.00pm, 1.30pm and at 4.30pm when the last feeding time is allocated.
Travellers who wish to experience the park at their own leisure can hit the nature trails with an audio guide and explore the 5 acre space full of expansive gardens. Surrounded by towering Beech trees, the nature walks set within the park include 24 identifiable stops which let visitors uncover endemic and even endangered bird species of New Zealand. Picnics on the banks of the park’s ponds are another popular activity among visitors who also stopover at the venue’s model Maori Hunting Village, where meandering wekas are a common sight.
Live shows involving bird varieties are among the other regular features of the park which is also a reputed breeding and rehabilitation centre in Queenstown for kiwis and other endangered species.
Travellers in search of quality Queenstown hotel accommodation should look to Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview for their reservations. Offering guests luxurious living spaces furnished to perfection, this New Zealand Queenstown hotel pulls out all the stops when it comes to providing a truly memorable stay.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
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