Why are kiwis going blind?
 
The New Zealand kiwi is the country’s most iconic bird, and an article in New Scientist has suggested that they may be losing their sight.
 
In fact, the article found that three kiwis from a South Island forest were ‘profoundly blind’, which could suggest that this species is evolving and losing its sight. The study examined 160 Okarito brown kiwi and determined that there was a very high rate of birds with eye lesions, with as many as a third of them suffering from eye issues.
 
The reason for kiwis’ blindness is speculated that sight is not essential for their survival. These small birds have excellent senses of touch, hearing and smell, and the fact that they are nocturnal means they don’t rely on their sight much at all.
 
Some scientists have even suggested that the loss of eyesight could be thanks to a particular gene that restricts eyesight, but could also mean that kiwis experience greater smell and touch senses.
 
While it may still be unclear exactly what’s going on with kiwis’ eyesight loss, the article also pointed out that they would not be the first species to lose its eyesight over time. Other examples of animals that have gone through this process include cave-dwelling fish and moles, as they also live in the dark and don’t rely on their sight to survive.
 
At Habitat Tours, we’re lucky enough to spot a kiwi or two in the wild on roughly 70 per cent of our New Zealand nature tours. Join us for a night-time tour in Tawharanui to see if you can ‘see’ a kiwi for yourself. 

Kiwi researcher hopes to give native wasp a new – magical – name
 
A New Zealand researcher is tired of the bad reputation suffered by our native wasps. Many Kiwis confuse the native species for the common German wasps that offer a painful sting and cost the economy as much as $130 million every year.
 
However, as University of Auckland doctoral student Tom Saunders points out, the New Zealand native species don’t live in colonies, and they don’t even sting.
 
That’s why Mr Saunders is attempting to fix the wasp’s reputation, and he has come up with a novel way of doing so – literally.
 
He has chosen one of the more widespread of New Zealand’s endemic wasp species and has named it Lusius malfoyi after a character in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. In the world-famous novels, Lucius Malfoy is presented as a minor villain throughout the series, until in the final book, he and his family turn their backs on the major villain, Voldemort.
 
Mr Saunders believes the name is fitting, as there are certainly plenty of ‘menacing’ traits about the wasp. For example, to breed, this wasp injects its eggs into caterpillars, so the larvae can feed on its host.
 
That said, as far as wasps go, the Lusius malfoyi is still fairly harmless at the end of the day, and now New Zealanders have a fun new way of remembering its name.
 
Mr Saunders took an interest in wasps and spent his Masters degree working on ways to improve ways to catch them, as the current problem is that there isn’t much data around New Zealand’s wasp populations. This means it’s hard to track them, or to know if their numbers are rising or declining.
 
Even if wasps aren’t something you’d like to encounter, there are plenty of other wonderful native and endemic species that we meet during our nature tours from Auckland!

​The mining ban: What it is and why it matters
 
The New Zealand government has made a new announcement to state that no new mines will be permitted on conservation land, in a move that has quickly been applauded by groups such as Forest & Bird.
 
The announcement came from Eugenie Sage, the Minister of Conservation, who stated that “the new Government will strengthen the protection for public conservation land by making it off-limits for new mining”.
 
She went on to explain that public conservation lands have been created in order to help nature to thrive, and also so that New Zealanders and visitors alike can enjoy them. Allowing mines to be built in these areas would run counter to those goals, she said, as it would destroy vegetation and habitats and change the natural landscapes.
 
Sage also noted that New Zealand is experiencing a “biodiversity crisis”, with as many as 4,000 plants and wildlife species threatened with extinction, and said that conservation lands are one way to offer them protection.
 
Forest & Bird, a leading conservation group that promotes nature throughout the country, has been quick to applaud the announcement.
 
The group’s Chief Executive Kevin Hague released their own announcement, saying “we are delighted that the Government recognises that protected conservation land means just that. It’s protected”
 
While the group is still hoping to see more work done for conservation, such as the banning of new coal mining in all areas and giving the Denniston Plateau further protections, they are excited about the new move regarding conservation lands.
 
Likewise, we at Habitat Tours agree that any move in the direction of more conservation for our flora and fauna is a positive one, and we will continue to educate and inspire visitors about the wonderful New Zealand outdoors on our nature tours from Auckland. 

​Christmas gift ideas for nature lovers
 
Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s never too later to find that perfect gift for your loved one. If that special someone happens to love nature, we’ve got a few great gift ideas to help you put a smile on their face come Christmas morning!
 
Plant trees on their behalf
 
For the nature lover who has everything, consider making a donation to conserve or improve nature in their name. There are endless options for donations all over the world for you to choose from, so you’ll have no problems finding one that fits the bill.
 
If you’d like one here in New Zealand, the Native Forest Restoration Trust allows you to dedicate a tree in someone’s name for just $25, or a small grove of five trees for $100, and the seed will grow to become part of a new native forest!
 
A good set of binoculars
 
Binoculars are not a necessity for enjoying the outdoors, which is often why nature fans don’t own a decent set. However, they can greatly enhance any outdoor adventure by adding a whole new world to any excursion. This is a particularly good gift for those who enjoy bird watching, or viewing wildlife that’s difficult to approach in person.
 
An outdoor ‘survival pack’
 
Any kind of survival pack gift can be as much fun to put together for the gifter as it is to unpack for the giftee. For an outdoor one, find a box (or natural-woven basket) and fill it with practical and fun goodies that will help with their next adventure. Think about useful things such as water purifying tablets, sunscreen, a small torch, insect repellent, a locator beacon, a guide book, walking socks, or a plant-identifying book. Plus, add a few fun things like sweets, photos of yourself or the two of you together, or a silly pack of cards.
 
Build a bird house together
 
A well-stocked birdhouse in New Zealand is a surefire way to enjoy some of our most gorgeous flying wildlife. From the melodious bellbird to the friendly fantail, your loved one may soon enjoy waking up to these treasured species out the window every morning.
 
While there’s nothing wrong with buying one ready-made, consider gifting that special someone with the tools to ‘DIY’, then promptly inform them that it’s a project you’ll tackle together. This gives you a bit of quality time as well as the awesome gift itself!
 
A nature tour with Habitat Tours
 
What better gift for a nature lover than a nature tour? We offer day-time and night-time tours of Tawharanui, and day-time excursions to The Waitakere Ranges. Each one offers a unique blend of sight-seeing, education about native plants and wildlife, and short walking tours, all just a short drive from Auckland city.
 
Also, be sure to check out our gift guide for hikers! 

​New Zealand’s latest and greatest conservation news
 
Amidst so much negative news, it can be easy to miss all the exciting announcements and developments in the world. Just in case you missed them, here are some of the best pieces of conservation news from New Zealand recently!
 
Frog population booms after 1080 operation
 
A successful 1080 operation in Whareorino has seen populations of rats and possums take a nosedive, which has allowed the frog population to increase substantially. In fact, post-operation monitoring programs failed to find any rats at all, and possums were down to just 1 per cent. Recent rainfall has destroyed leftover 1080 bait, and traps have been set to ensure rat numbers remain low.
 
New enclosures help takahe breeding season
 
The Department of Conservation has completed two new safe enclosures for takahe at the Burwood Takahe Centre near Hamilton. This means that the six breeding pairs on site now have two new secure areas to raise their chicks throughout spring, which can be a huge boost for the Recovery Programme working to support this precious bird’s growing population.
 
Coastal marine species get help from the High Court
 
The High Court backed a 2016 Environmental Court finding saying that regional councils would have the right to protect their marine environment. This means that individual councils can decide to regulate fishing activity and protect native marine species, rather than leaving it up to the government. Forest and Bird lawyer Sally Gepp said that the decision could have important consequences for seabirds, penguins, and Maui’s dolphins around New Zealand.
 
51 black stilt released into the Mackenzie Basin
 
More than 50 black stilts were released into the Mackenzie Basin in late August, adding to the 60 birds already released in the Tasman Valley earlier in the month. The black stilt is the rarest wading bird in the world, and these recent releases signify big steps in helping the populations improve. In addition to these events, the Department of Conservation is working to control predators in black stilt habitats. In total, it brings the number of birds in the wild up from just 23 to an impressive 106 adult birds.
 
Kokako enjoys more than a thousand per cent increase since 1990
 
The kokako is one of New Zealand’s endemic endangered species, and it has seen a population increase of more than a thousand since its low point in 1990. Conservation officers conducted a 1080 drop in 1990 that is credited for saving the population, and continued efforts to reduce predators and encourage breeding has seen the species go from just five pairs up to 60 pairs, plus 29 single birds. The kokako is known for its haunting birdsong, and conservation minister Maggie Barry is excited and hopeful for the future of this special species.
 
As a company that lives and breathes birds, plantlife, and marine life, Habitat Tours celebrates every conservation success around New Zealand and the world. Join us on a New Zealand eco tour so we can show you some of our favourite spots and species. 

Bird of the Year: Why it’s such an important competition
 
Every year the Bird of the Year competition grips the nation in a wave of fun and research as we all pick our favourite flying (or flightless) friend. This year’s result has just been announced, and we couldn’t be more pleased for the cheeky Kea.
 
Congratulations to the Kea!
 
It’s no wonder how the Kea has made it into the hearts of New Zealanders around the country. This beautiful alpine parrot is native to the country, and there are just 3,000-7,000 Kea left, making it a nationally endangered species.
 
They are one of the most clever and inquisitive birds around, which often gets them in trouble, and is almost always the cause of laughter and entertainment when you spot one of these cheeky parrots taking off with a stolen biscuit or treasure. They are also the cause of plenty of damage, as they love to nip and tear at car parts they find in ski fields, much to the chagrin of tired skiiers at the end of a day on the mountain.
 
Unfortunately, the Kea’s penchant for stealing human food can do harm, as they can get sick from certain snacks. They are also vulnerable to predation by stoats, cats, rats, and possums, and the changing alpine environment may leave these beautiful parrots with fewer places to call home.
 
While the Kea is certainly in need of help, it’s exciting to see this species gain national attention through the Bird of the Year competition.

Why the competition is so important
 
Each year, the Bird of the Year competition crowns just one of our native birds as the champion. In doing so however, it also brings the media and public’s attention to many of our natives, especially those that are in danger and need all the help they can get.
 
With each new year, our native birds get a boost of attention as conservation groups and members of the public champion their favourite species. Plus, Forest & Bird, the group behind the annual competition, offers the option to donate to your species of choice during the campaign, helping to raise additional funds for each bird.
 
Last year, the winner was the Kokako, the year before, the Bar Tailed Godwit. While all birds receive some attention each year, the annual winner gets plenty of extra coverage in the media, with information about their status, threats, and more options to donate to their cause. Together, it makes for a fun and exciting annual spotlight on our native birds, where everyone gets to learn a little more about these precious species.
 
While we don’t see the Kea during our nature tours in New Zealand (as we are not in an alpine environment), we do have the fortune of meeting some of our country’s other native gems. Check out our eco tour options to see which birds you might meet! 

New Zealand’s latest and greatest conservation news
 
Amidst so much negative news, it can be easy to miss all the exciting announcements and developments in the world. Just in case you missed them, here are some of the best pieces of conservation news from New Zealand recently!
 
Frog population booms after 1080 operation
 
A successful 1080 operation in Whareorino has seen populations of rats and possums take a nosedive, which has allowed the frog population to increase substantially. In fact, post-operation monitoring programs failed to find any rats at all, and possums were down to just 1 per cent. Recent rainfall has destroyed leftover 1080 bait, and traps have been set to ensure rat numbers remain low.
 
New enclosures help takahe breeding season
 
The Department of Conservation has completed two new safe enclosures for takahe at the Burwood Takahe Centre near Hamilton. This means that the six breeding pairs on site now have two new secure areas to raise their chicks throughout spring, which can be a huge boost for the Recovery Programme working to support this precious bird’s growing population.
 
Coastal marine species get help from the High Court
 
The High Court backed a 2016 Environmental Court finding saying that regional councils would have the right to protect their marine environment. This means that individual councils can decide to regulate fishing activity and protect native marine species, rather than leaving it up to the government. Forest and Bird lawyer Sally Gepp said that the decision could have important consequences for seabirds, penguins, and Maui’s dolphins around New Zealand.
 
51 black stilt released into the Mackenzie Basin
 
More than 50 black stilts were released into the Mackenzie Basin in late August, adding to the 60 birds already released in the Tasman Valley earlier in the month. The black stilt is the rarest wading bird in the world, and these recent releases signify big steps in helping the populations improve. In addition to these events, the Department of Conservation is working to control predators in black stilt habitats. In total, it brings the number of birds in the wild up from just 23 to an impressive 106 adult birds.
 
Kokako enjoys more than a thousand per cent increase since 1990
 
The kokako is one of New Zealand’s endemic endangered species, and it has seen a population increase of more than a thousand since its low point in 1990. Conservation officers conducted a 1080 drop in 1990 that is credited for saving the population, and continued efforts to reduce predators and encourage breeding has seen the species go from just five pairs up to 60 pairs, plus 29 single birds. The kokako is known for its haunting birdsong, and conservation minister Maggie Barry is excited and hopeful for the future of this special species.
 
As a company that lives and breathes birds, plantlife, and marine life, Habitat Tours celebrates every conservation success around New Zealand and the world. Join us on a New Zealand eco tour so we can show you some of our favourite spots and species. 

What can you do to help conservation?
 
Many people know that conservation is vital to help some of our most precious plant and wildlife species thrive, and sometimes even just survive. But not everyone knows just how to go about it.
 
It can certainly be tough to get involved when you don’t know where to start, so here are a few ways you can do your bit for conservation!
 
Volunteer
 
Volunteering is perfect for those with a little time to spare, even if it’s only one day a month. You don’t need piles of money or specific conservation skills, simply a can-do attitude and the desire to help!
 
Here in Auckland, we at Habitat Tours often volunteer for the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society (TOSSI). Not only do they do a wonderful job offering our endangered species a safe home, Tawharanui is one of the spots we visit on day tours from Auckland. On the first Sunday of every month, anyone is welcome to help out with a range of activities such as helping in the nursery, monitoring species, checking traplines and the fence, admin and more. You can learn more here.
 
For ways to volunteer around New Zealand, take a look at the opportunities available on Conservation Volunteers.
 
Donate
 
Are you short on time but have a little cash to spare? Making a one-off donation, or setting up a monthly payment, may be a great option for you.
 
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to target your funds so you know what it’s going to. There are a huge range of conservation projects happening around New Zealand (and the world) every day, and all of them could always do with a little more funding.
 
Kiwis for Kiwi is a great organisation that focuses on the protection of our iconic kiwi, and their donation options give you examples of what your money will go towards. For example, just $50 provides a full health check on a captive-born kiwi before it’s released into the wild.
 
For more donation ideas, check out this wonderful list of conservations programs that accept donations from the Department of Conservation.
 
Choose eco-friendly products
 
Finally, everyone buys products and experiences sometimes, so even if you don’t have much cash or time to spare, you can still help conservation by choosing eco-friendly products.
 
This can be anything from recycled-paper napkins, to products from companies that actively donate or support conservation projects. Perhaps it’s food products that have been sustainably farmed, or wood furniture that’s made from recycled timbers or fast-growing trees that can be replanted again and again. Or perhaps that’s even tour companies who focus on the environment as part of their ‘raison d’etre’!
 
The more you start looking for companies that offer a more eco-friendly product range, the more you will find, so start asking about your options the next time you’re out shopping, or research online to see if the company works to help the environment. 

Reasons to take a nature tour in New Zealand
 
New Zealand is a country that’s brimming with tour options, from film set locations to cultural tours and more.
 
It can be tough to choose, but it can also be tough to go past the option of a New Zealand nature tour. After all, the country’s tag line is ‘100% Pure’.
 
Here are the top reasons to opt for a New Zealand eco tour while you’re in town!
 
To see the range of endemic species
 
For those interested in flora and fauna, there are few places in the world like New Zealand. Here, more than 80 per cent of the 2,500 species of flowering plants, conifers, and ferns, are endemic, meaning you won’t find them anywhere else.
 
New Zealand is also known as the seabird capital of the world, and our range of flightless birds – including the famous kiwi – is unlike anywhere else.
 
This range of endemic species is thanks to New Zealand’s isolation from the rest of the world.
 
To get out of the main cities
 
Auckland is the City of Sails, Wellington is the ‘Coolest Little Capital’, and Christchurch is a city in the midst of an incredible rebuild. While all three are worth a visit, there’s nothing quite like getting out of the main centres of a country and exploring the heart of a country in the wilderness.
 
With Habitat Tours, you’ll either head out to the Waitakere Ranges to the west of Auckland city, or you’ll go north to the Tawharanui Regional Park. Neither of these spots are the kind of places you’d ever get to see if you stuck to the main city.
 
To see the awesome New Zealand scenery
 
New Zealand’s scenery is world-renowned, with many people heading to our shores purely to see the sights they’ve heard about and dreamt of.
 
A nature tour in New Zealand won’t just introduce you to our flora and fauna – it will also ensure you get a few additional tastes of the types of views that make this country so famous for its landscapes.
 
To do something active
 
Holiday priorities often focus on seeing sights, trying delicious new foods, and sampling local beers and wines. This can mean that you’ve left your good habits and active routines at home!
 
Taking a nature tour during your time in New Zealand will help ensure you get out and enjoy a couple of hours of walking, so you won’t head home feeling too sluggish.
 
To see things many New Zealanders won’t see
 
It’s a fact of life that many of us will never properly explore our own backyards quite as much as visitors do. After all, when an attraction is always there, there’s never any rush to see it.
 
That’s why many New Zealanders won’t even get the chance to see a kiwi in the wild, as you might during a Tawharanui night-time tour. It’s also why many won’t get the chance to spot a wild morepork, or even listen to the song of the tui in the wild.   

The top 7 tips for hiking in New Zealand
 
New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the top hiking destinations in the world. From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South, there are countless treks you can try, including the famous ‘Great Walks’, plenty of popular ones and many that barely even have names.
 
If you’re looking at hiking in Aotearoa, keep these tips in mind to help make it a safe and fantastic experience.
 
1. Pack for all weather conditions
 
As a small island nation, New Zealand is known for hosting four seasons in a day. It’s entirely possible to be walking through a freezing rain storm one minute, then be walking through warm sunshine an hour or two later. Even if you’re only hiking for a day or two, be sure to check the weather forecast and pack for all conditions just in case.
 
2. Plan your route
 
Be sure to map out your route before you set foot on it. Take a look at the way you want to go, as there are often several tracks interwoven with one another. Plan where you will stop for the night each night and factor in time spent resting or enjoying the scenery. This will help give you realistic goals each day and ensure you don’t wander off course.
 
3. Tell someone where you’re going
 
Once you have your route, pass on your plans to a trusted friend. If you can, keep them updated of your progress and let them know once you’re finished the walk. This person will be your safety net should you not arrive at your destination as expected.
 
4. Bring spare socks
 
A truism for hikers all over the world – always bring spare socks! There’s nothing like a fresh clean pair after yours get sweaty, dirty or wet, and it can greatly increase your comfort on those long days.
 
5. If you get lost, stay in one place
 
In the worst case scenario of getting lost, always stay in once place. This will help emergency services track you down much faster.
 
6. Make the most of hut books
 
The Department of Conservation manages a series of hiking huts all over the country on many of the multi-day tracks. These huts offer places to stay (when you book in advance), rest stops, and ‘hut books’. These books are simply journals for passing hikers to enter their names and details, and it’s recommended to enter yours even if you’re not staying the night to create a literal paper trail of your movements.
 
7. Take plenty of photos
 
Once you’ve covered all your bases for safety and comfort, all that’s left to do is enjoy the incredible scenery and experiences along the way! A good camera can help you capture much of New Zealand’s wonderful landscapes, so be sure to charge the batteries and get snap happy.
 
Of course, you can also opt to keep it simple and join us for an eco tour from Auckland, where we get out of the city and explore the nearby landscapes on foot!