NEW ZEALAND
SOUTHLAND (SOUTH ISLAND) (s)
Lat:148o33´S/168o18´E (private reserve part) 5.5ha 0-10 msl
Private reserve
Best Time for visit (time visited)
Birding Site Guide
From Invercargill head towards Oreti Beach. After passing the airport you will reach the township of Otatara. At the first major intersection follow the "Wetland Walk Fernbird" yellow AA sign from the main road. Follow these signs to the end of the gravel on Grant Road. Invercargill is the southern most city of New Zealand's South Island. See the map below to locate Invercargill.
This is a birdwatcher's delight, 10 minutes to Invercargill city, located within easy distance of Fiordland, the Catlins coast, airport and Stewart Island ferry. Ideally located for overnight accommodation before or following Stewart Island Kiwi and Ulva Island. There is a good restuarant located close by. Costs per night are NZ$100 couple, NZ$60 single and breakfast is included.
For visitors with only limited time in Invercargill, there is a guided walk to see Fernbirds NZ$10 per person. Larger groups or guided birding tours need to book in advance. Access is not permitted without owners permission.
The house is located on a privately owned, protected forest & wetland reserve, well known as the easiest place to see Fernbirds Bowdleria punctata in New Zealand. A track and boardwalk from the house through the reserve makes bird-watching easy. Also to be seen are abundant Tuis, Bellbirds, Grey Warblers, Fantails and Shining Cuckoo (summer visitor). The estuary is a short walk from the house where Royal Spoonbills and many species of wading bird can be seen.
Your hosts Ian and Jenny Gamble
Phone 064 (03) 213-1302
Email Bookings This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website http://www.fernbirds.co.nz/index.php?page=home
Authors/owners Ian and Jenny Gamble
Bushy Point Fernbirds, 197 Grant Road, Otatara, Invercargill
Species Notes
In all --- species of bird have so far been recorded.
Other Fauna
A total of -- species of mammals.
There are -- recorded species of amphibians and reptiles.
Flora
Sandy Point Reserve is nearby and has walking tracks through rare Totara dune forest.
Author: Ian and Jenny Gamble
www.birdingsiteguide.com
