Kakī/black stilt visitor hide
Introduction
The kakī/black stilt visitor hide is a great place to see one of New Zealand’s rarest birds up close.
Kakī or black stilts are the world’s rarest wading bird. They are very distinctive with completely black plumage and long red legs. Unique to New Zealand, they are regarded by Maori as a taonga species (living treasure).
Location
The kakī/black stilt visitor hide is next to the Department of Conservation’s captive breeding centre, just outside of Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin, central South Island.
Getting there
Location of the kaki/black stilt visitor hide
Regular guided tours of the Kakī Visitor Hide are run during spring and summer. Bookings are essential, at least 30 minutes before the tour is due to depart.
Tours depart from Twizel Information Centre. Please note that you will require your own transport to the hide.
Features
Kakī have been intensively managed since 1981. The Department of Conservation’s captive breeding centre plays an important role in the Kakī Recovery Programme. A number of kakī pairs are held at the centre for captive breeding. All kakī eggs are artificially incubated and the young chicks are raised in captivity. At 3–9 months they are released into the wild. Rearing them in captivity significantly increases their chances of survival by preventing predation when they are most vulnerable (as chicks and eggs).
Activities
Guided activities
Kakī visitor hide
Guided tours of the Kakī Visitor Hide offer an opportunity to see kakī and learn about their ecology and conservation. The hide is adjacent to the captive breeding centre and overlooks aviaries where kakī pairs are held. A display aviary next to the hide enables a close-up kakī encounter. Tours last around one hour.
Plan and prepare
You can make a booking through either:
Twizel Information Centre
C/- Twizel Events Centre
61 Mackenzie Drive, Twizel
Phone: +64 3 435 3124
or
Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre
State Highway 8
Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie Basin
Phone: +64 3 435 3280
Regular guided tours of the Kakī Visitor Hide occur from late October to April at 9.30 am and 4.30 pm each day. Please note that tour times can change. If you want to find out the current tour times, please contact Twizel Information Centre.
Bookings are essential, at least 30 minutes before the tour is due to depart.
Please note you will require your own transport to the hide.
Charges: $15 per adult, $7 per child. Group and family discounts are available.
For large groups or school groups, please contact:
Email:
KakiVisitorHide@doc.govt.nz
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