Naturalist Guided Walks
Kawarau River Queenstown
Learn about New Zealand’s unique ecology and what has changed since the arrival of humans in New Zealand. Find out how we are working to rectify some of these challenges to protect our local birds from introduced species. Try your hand at birding as we look for native and endemic bird species in their natural habitat underneath the Remarkable Mountains. By the end of the trip you’ll be chattering to fantails, whistling with bell birds honking at swans.
Participate in Citizen Science/Conservation projects including:
- Bird counts reported to Ebird
- Predator trap checks helping Whakatipu Wildlife Trust
- Falcon Observation Reporting (if we are very lucky)
Walking Tour: approximately 2 hours with 5km walking. Start and finish Remarkables Park. Private tour NZ$100 for up to 4 people.
Extended Custom Tour options also available.
All Trips include: Hot drinks, binoculars to share, access to wildlife books and local naturalist guide. Opportunities for photos and to ask your questions about all things New Zealand from a local Queenstown naturalist guide.
Trips may include: Dog cuddles…
Walking is all on shared track, there are cyclists, runners and dogs present. Sensible walking shoes recommended.
Early mornings when the weather is calm and still are the best time to explore the river. Happy to work around your other activities but I typically like to start about 7 or 7.30am. The #1 bus from town to Red Oaks Drive arriving at 7.21am is perfect.
Tours are subject to suitable weather! We all want to enjoy the walk, free cancellation is available if the weather doesn’t join us.
Birding Walks along the Kawarau River have the possibility of critically endangered White Heron, newly famous Crested Grebe, the Southern Hemisphere’s Black Swan, our diving ducks the Scaup, Eurasian Coot and New Zealand Falcon amongst other visitors. Our guided walks also often find native backyard birds including Tui, White eye, Grey Warbler and Fantails.
Sorry we definitely will not see kiwi! They are only available in Queenstown at the Kiwi Bird Park.
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Email [email protected] to make a booking or enquiry.