Listen Now: 
September 07, 2016
Rakiura landowners become kiwi spotters
Waatea Team
Posted On September 7, 2016
Rakiura Maori Lands Trust has partnered with tourism firm Real Journeys to offer kiwi-spotting on Stewart Island.
Chair Simon Gomez says they have picked up the concession from Bravo Adventures, whose owner Philip Smith is retiring after more than 20 years of nocturnal trips.
He says the trust, which is the largest private landowner on the island, sees sustainable tourism as a way to create jobs.
He says the large number of native birds draws hundreds of visitors every year, and the chance of a close encounter with the national symbol as it goes about its nightly search for food is an amazing experience.
"Kiwis don't have great eyesight, they have a good sense of smell and if you're quiet and stand still they have no reason to fear you and they will come quite close," he says.
Simon Gomez says an important part of the new partnership will be continuing Mr Smith’s work in eradicating pests like rats and feral cats from the kiwi habitat.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
RELATED NEWS
