Date:  11 December 2020

From Wednesday 16 December the popular tours, which have been on hold since March, are once again welcoming the public back to enjoy their daily interactions.

Department of Conservation’s Operations Manager Te Anau, Annie Wallace, says since the tours were paused during the COVID-19 lockdown, the team have taken the time to assess the structure of the tours.

“Before March, up to 100 people were attending the daily tours. It was amazing to have so many people interested in our native birds, however it became clear quite quickly that this was becoming unsustainable and there were concerns for animal welfare.”

To address those concerns, this season spaces on the tour will be limited to 25 people and run through a ticketing system, costing $10 per person.

School age children can still go free, Mrs Wallace says.

“The price of the ticket will go directly to helping cover the costs of running the Sanctuary and ensuring the wellbeing of the birds.”

During the tour, Rangers will give insights into life at Pūnanga Manu o Te Anau for our native species and introduce guests to some of Te Anau’s favourite feathered locals. 

The Bird Sanctuary remains free for the public to enjoy at any time and donations are always welcome. Self-guided tours will also be available soon for those that aren’t able to make it to a daily tour.

Head to the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre to secure a spot from Wednesday 16 December.

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