Bringing the birds back to Piopiotahi

9 Oct 2020

Milford Sound, Piopiotahi, a jewel in the crown of Fiordland National Park, is not only renowned for its breathtaking fiords and waterfalls but also for its rich biodiversity. Among its treasures are the weka, a flightless bird native to New Zealand, and a variety of other bird species that find sanctuary in this pristine environment.

If you’re not already familiar with weka, they’re a charismatic, flightless bird, known for its inquisitive and bold nature. This sturdy bird, about the size of a chicken, has a distinctive brown plumage with a pattern of black streaks and spots, providing excellent camouflage in its forest and shrubland habitats. Weka are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, small vertebrates, and even carrion. They are also known for their resourcefulness and curiosity, often approaching humans and exploring their surroundings. It is common for us to see weka at Giant Gate Waterfall on the Milford Track Guided Walk, or around the Milford Sound foreshore on our Coach, Cruise and Walk experience.

Despite their endearing qualities, weka populations face threats from habitat loss and predation by introduced species, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.

young weka bird in the native forest at Milford Sound | Trips and Tramps

Young weka chick at Mlford Sound hiding in the native foliage

A species in danger

There used to be lots of weka around Milford Sound but nowadays they’re not so common – so seeing them around is always a happy sight. As weka can’t fly, this puts them in danger in environments full of predators such as stoats, rats, feral cats, dogs and possums. These predators pose a real threat throughout Fiordland where flightless birds like Weka and Kiwi are struggling to survive.

Conservation is key

Where these birds do survive, it’s largely down to the conservation work that’s being done in the area. Trips & Tramps are proud to be contributing to this work through with close relationships between our local community, and the Te Anau Department of Conservation team.

In particular, we’ve been involved in a stoat-trapping project at Milford Sound since 2003 (long before the idea became popular). As part of the project today we maintain traps around the Milford Foreshore area which are regularly checked by our staff during their lunch break or on days off.

We also try to educate our guests about conservation by pointing out the traps during our experiences. Too many people don’t know about the problems New Zealand faces when it comes to predators and our native birds, so it’s pretty important to us that we do our bit to raise awareness.

guide checking a stoat trap for introduced pests on a trail

Checking the stoat traps for pests is a reglar activity at Trips & Tramps to ensure we do our bit for conservation.

The Weka are worth it

The traps at Milford Sound have proven to be a worthwhile investment, significantly reducing pest numbers in the area. While this doesn't mean the problem is solved, it's encouraging to see positive progress and the rejuvenating birdsong at Milford Sound is a testament to these efforts.

Human hand outstretched towards weka who seems interested

Curious weka can be seen on the Milford Track and around Milford Sound

As keen conservationists, we’re committed to bringing New Zealand’s native birds back into the forest and onto our tracks. Conservations efforts are crucial, and on all levels, from our individual efforts to local businesses of all sizes doing their bit.

We want to see more birds like the Weka out and about, and thriving in Fiordland. Let’s give these cheeky birds a chance.