New Zealand Favorite Tips by MichaelFalk1969

Reservation System / Popular Hikes

Favorite thing: Many of the popular multi-day hikes (great walks) require a bit of pre-planning, meaning a reservation (of bunk-beds or camping spaces) via the Department of Conservation-website. The reason is that the accomodation options in the huts are quite limited. The hut booking works also as a permit for use of the track. The reservation system allows you to check if there is space available and print out a voucher. It is recommendable to book way ahead because in peak times the huts fill up quickly.

Weka & New Zealand Birdlife Birdlife Review

Favorite thing: Though we didn`t see a Kiwi, the Weka Birds could be encountered easily along the Heaphy Track. The light-brown, chicken-sized, fligtless birds are rather inquisitive. Even if you just sit in the open having a break, they often tend to come along and curiously inspect you and your equipment.

Another species that was often encountered in pairs was the little fantail. The swirl their long tails almost peackock-like in order to disturb insects and often come quite close to hikers.

The beautiful wood pigeons are rare, but I saw three during the hike on Heaphy.