Kereru

An amazing day full of surprises. I have never seen a Kereru, the New Zealand Pigeon, let alone in its natural environment and today throughout the day I counted 8.

It is our only native pigeon, large, heavy-bodied, broad winged forest bird. Head, neck and upper breast are metallic green with a bronze sheen. Black and wings purplish; wingtips are dark with a green sheen. Tail is long with a square black end. The lower breast, abdomen and undertail are white. The bill, eye ring and feet red. Our native pigeon is near threatened and is endemic to New Zealand, you can imagine my surprise to be able to sight 8 today.

Travelling day as we left Motueka and made our way over the long windy Takaka hill heading for Golden Bay near the top of the South Island. We had time on our side so headed out to Pohara, Ligar Bay and Wainui Bay where our road then turned to thick gravel with washed out parts, barriers and subsidence - the weather boomb which hit NZ a while back certainly played havoc with this beautiful area, extra time and care was needed for this road. Well worth it though as we arrived at Totaranui with its golden sands and not a soul in sight. A great camping spot for those that like to go without power and enjoy the tranquillity of the blue water quietly lapping the shore, the call of our native birds high up in our native trees and the Abel Tasman National Park on its doorstep, great place to explore.

Unfortunately this was not our destination for the day and as the sun was creeping round to the west we headed out along the gravel road passing the bays mentioned above and arriving at Pakawau, our home away from home for the next few days.

Pohara

Port of Golden Bay

Ligar Bay

Kereru

Iconic Bach

Totaranui - The Golden Beach

Kereru