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u/ActualBacchus

r/Wellington r/parrots r/motorcycle r/royalenfield r/rarepuppers r/NewZealandWildlife r/MotorcyclePorn r/AveragePicsOfNZ r/newzealand_travel
▲ 460 r/parrots

New Zealand's native alpine parrot, the Kea. Photographed at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve near Christchurch.

An endangered species, estimated population is between 3000 and 7000. A popular sight for South Island tourists in the wild but keep an eye on them - they will strip rubber seals from cars out of curiosity and have a reputation as cunning thieves - opening zips to swipe food from backpacks if left unattended. People like to claim that one kea will distract people while others sneak up to steal but although they are very smart I suspect thats more opportunistic than intentional. Their cousins the kaka have made a big comeback in the North Island thanks to predator free sanctuaries so hopefully the kea can do the same. Predominantly green and brown, they hide striking blue feathers in their wings and surprisingly bright red body feathers under them.

u/ActualBacchus — 4 months ago
▲ 716 r/NewZealandWildlife

Kea, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in chch

Not quite the same as seeing them in the wild but still an amazing experience. So much variation in colour depending on the lighting and I knew there was some red under their wings but I had no idea it could be so bright.

u/ActualBacchus — 4 months ago
▲ 2 r/newzealand_travel

Wellington family seeking snow, keas

Me, the missus and the kids will be in chch for a couple of nights around Kings Birthday. The day between, we're keen for a mini road trip to throw handfuls of snow at each other and hopefully see keas - we'll have our car as kea bait. I realize we're probably looking at a couple of hours drive each way. I was thinking either Mt Hutt or heading part way up Arthurs Pass, is that plausible? Any recommendations for places to head for? Bonus points if it feeds my photography urges too.

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u/ActualBacchus — 5 months ago
▲ 294 r/Wellington

A couple of months back I asked for suggestions regarding cool slides. Last weekend I went and took some photos of 5 - parliament, Frank Kitts, Roseneath, Mt Vic Matairangi nature trail and Shorland Park (Island Bay).

u/ActualBacchus — 6 months ago