Features

South Island kaka

This mainland island comprises approximately 5000 ha of predominantly red, silver and mountain beech forest, and is situated alongside Lake Rotoiti within Nelson Lakes National Park.

Honeydew beech forests can support large numbers of native birds: the honeydew scale insect provides an energy source for nectar-feeding birds, and the sporadic and intense beech seed production ("masting") provides food for large numbers of seed-eating birds.

Unfortunately this unique ecosystem has been altered dramatically by introduced deer, possums, mice, stoats, and wasps. The goal is to reduce the numbers of these pests so that the ecological processes of this honeydew beech forest can recover.

The success of the project's work is evident when walking through the beech forest. There is a resounding chorus of bellbirds, mistletoe is becoming more visible and small groups of kaka can be spotted.

Great spotted kiwi have been reintroduced and are breeding successfully.

Around 100,000 people visit Lake Rotoiti's Kerr Bay every year and with the recovery area right beside the campground they need only walk a short distance to experience flourishing native forest and birdlife.