Amidst a heated competition, not to mention a last minute vote rigging scandal, the bar-tailed godwit has been awarded the title of New Zealand’s Bird of the Year, much to the delight of UK experts. With over 13,000 nominations being registered across the country, New Zealand’s iconic Kiwi did not even make the top three, which has prompted many interested in nature and wildlife to make the journey south to see this illusive bird.
Paul Carberry, director of New Zealand in Depth and tailor-made travel expert, said; “The bar-tailed godwit is a wonderful, and hugely worthy, winner. Not only is it a stunning, and prestigious, bird to tick off a bucket list of wildlife experiences, but it also migrates from Alaska to New Zealand every year, taking just nine days to endure the 11,000 kilometre flight – the longest migration of any bird in the world.”
It is estimated that 80,000 to 100,000 godwits arrive in New Zealand from late September each year, however this number declining by two percent each year, the godwit’s status has shifted from ‘least concern’ to ‘near threatened’.
Those travelling to see the godwits should head for the Kaipara and Manukau harbours near Auckland; the Firth of Thames on the northern coast of the north island; Farewell Spit on the northern tip of the south island; or the Avon–Heathcote estuary near Christchurch.
Forest & Bird’s annual competition closed with more than 13,000 votes lodged by New Zealanders. Competition was fierce, with the New Zealand kōkako receiving 1814 votes, not far behind the godwit’s 1957. The kaka flew in third with 988 votes.
A voting scandal, however, ruffled feathers during the competition when two eager ‘kokako’ fans hijacked the voting system. Justice was restored when Bird of the Year co-ordinator, Kimberley Collins, removed the hundreds of fraudulent votes lodged. Collins said that it wasn’t the first time she had seen such enthusiasm adding; “We do get people who get over-zealous in wanting a particular bird to win. People get really passionate.”
A 28 night New Zealand Self-Drive Bird & Nature Tour with New Zealand In Depth costs from £6,500 per person, not including flights. This includes transfers, accommodation on a twin share basis in boutique hotels and luxury lodges, car hire with driving notes and maps, breakfast and some dinners, the services of a Tour Director and a wide range of activities and excursions from Auckland to Dunedin.
For more information and expert advice on travel to New Zealand, visit www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk, call 01298 74040 or email explore@newzealand-indepth.co.uk
Photo Credit: P. Battley, Massey University
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