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VISITING KAIPUPU WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Kaipupu Point is the closest wildlife sanctuary to Picton and an ideal half day activity. The sanctuary is separated from the mainland by a predator proof fence with public access via a ten minute boat ride from Picton. If you would prefer to visit the Sanctuary via kayak, then make sure to try our new kayak ramp which sits alongside the jetty. There are a number of water taxi options to choose from if you don't have your own boat (see the list below). Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. It is free to visit but donations are welcomed. The purpose built jetty and floating pontoon at Dolphin Bay offer easy access to the 2.7 km circular track. Allow two hours for the full circuit or 45 minutes (return) to the northern lookout. |
There are a number of water taxi / transport options to visit the Sanctuary. All operators are located on the Picton Waterfront off London Quay.
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Arrow Taxis
www.arrowwatertaxis.co.nz Phone : +64 3 573 8229 Mobile : 027 4444 689 info@arrowwatertaxis.co.nz Beachcomber Cruises www.beachcombercruises.co.nz Phone: +64 3 573 6175 Freephone: 0800 62 45 26 office@mailboat.co.nz Cougar Line www.cougarline.co.nz Phone: +64 3 573 7925 Freephone: 0800 50 40 90 enquiries@cougarline.co.nz |
Eko Tours
www.e-ko.nz Phone: +64 3 573 8040 info@e-ko.nz Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company www.marlboroughsounds.co.nz Phone: +64 3 573 6078 Freephone: 0800 283 283 adventure@marlboroughsounds.co.nz Wilderness Guides www.wildernessguidesnz.com Phone: +64 3 573 5432 Freephone: 0800 266 266 info@wildernessguidesnz.com |
The Wildlife of Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary
KORIMAKO - BELLBIRDKorimako form a significant part of the dawn chorus, with songs that vary greatly from one place to another. They play an important role in pollinating native trees and as seed dispersers.
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PIWAKAWAKA - FANTAILOften seen flitting from one branch to another, they chase insects disturbed as people walk around the Sanctuary. Piwakawaka play a large role in Maori mythology.
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KORORĀ - LITTLE BLUE PENGUINOnce a common sight in the Marlborough Sounds, little blue penguins are now considered ‘at risk’ due to declining population numbers. Make sure to have a look in the sand traps for penguin footprints!.
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KERERU - NZ WOODPIGEONThe largest living pigeon species, kererū play an important role in regeneration of native forests by dispersing seeds of miro, tawa and pūriri.
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KAKARUWAI - SOUTH ISLAND ROBINFriendly and trusting, this small songbird often comes within metres of humans while foraging the forest floor for invertebrates. South Island robin were translocated onto to the Sanctuary in March 2016 and March 2017.
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TUITui are known for their beautiful melodies and the ability to mimic sounds. This nectar feeder has two voice boxes allowing it to produce a wide range of calls.
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ROWI KIWIConsidered the rarest kiwi in the world, Rowi kiwi are greyish in colour, often with white patches on their faces. Kaipupu Point Sounds Wildlife Sanctuary has been used as a creche site for Rowi kiwi since April 2016.
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WELLINGTON TREE WETAThese nocturnal, tree dwellers form harems with one male and up to ten females. At night they leave their hole to feed, returning to the same hole each morning.
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TAUHOU - SILVEREYEKnown as ‘Tauhou’ meaning stranger in Māori, the silvereye was first seen in New Zealand around the 1830’s. Their success as a species is due to their varied diet of insects, fruit and nectar.
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KEKENO - NZ FUR SEALFound on rocky shores throughout mainland New Zealand, Kekeno or New Zealand Fur Seal are very good swimmers and dive deeper and longer than any other fur seal.
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RIRORIRO - GREY WARBLERMore often heard than seen, the Riroriro has a loud distinctive song. Weighing only six grams, it competes with the Rifleman for the title of New Zealands smallest bird. Image above is a juvenile.
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KAREAREA - NZ FALCONAdapted to hunt in dense New Zealand forests, kārearea predominantly eat live prey. They are often seen hunting small birds in dramatic chases.
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TOREA PANGO - OYSTERCATCHERHeavily built shorebirds, oystercatchers are commonly found around the coastline of New Zealand. Their loud "pip pip pip" is heard during territorial interactions and when alarmed.
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KARORO - BLACK BACKED GULLOne of the most abundant and familiar birds in New Zealand, the Black backed gull is one of only two native bird species not afforded any level of protection under the Wildlife Act.
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RAUKAWA GECKOA medium sized nocturnal gecko that lives on a diet of nectar, fruit and invertebrates. This gecko can be found across a range of habitats from shorelines to inland broadleaf forests.
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WAIHARAKEKE GRASS SKINKThis diurnal skink occupies a range of open habitats in Marlborough.
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