Walking with KIWIS

Kiwi Country – a gem on our doorstep!

There is so much we could say about this walk, part of the hike will take in areas where kiwi are present and we will give a demonstration of the listening devices used to detect their health, social groups, and other behaviour. An absolute gem right here on our doorstep in Mangawhai, a very special walk not to be missed.

Marunui Conservation manages a 423ha property on the southern slopes of the Brynderwyn Hills near Mangawhai, covered by a QE II National Trust which includes the requirement to protect the indigenous flora and fauna in perpetuity. 18 shareholders own the land in common.

Streams are well protected from erosion and siltation by forest cover and contain a healthy population of Hochstetter’s frog, longfin eel and other representative aquatic species.

Its diverse forest habitat is home to kaka, tomtit, bellbird, NZ Pigeon and fernbird as well as other more common species. Long tailed cuckoo are seen and heard during passage and shining cuckoo are present in the breeding season. Red-crowned kakariki are occasional visitors from the Hen and Chicken Islands off the Bream Bay coast.

In April 2013 fourteen Northland brown kiwi were translocated to Marunui from Motuora Island after being absent from the Brynderwyns for nearly 50 years. Since their release the birds have been regularly monitored and tracked. The birds have been pairing up and establishing territories and nest sites.