Programme Overview

You can hear and sometimes see Kokako on the Mapara Track following a successful Kokako recovery project.

Track Overview:
2.5km loop walking and tramping - 1 hour
Advanced Tramping track

Description:
Park on the side of the road, cross the swingbridge and take the  loop track to the right.

The best time to hear the extraordinary call of the kōkako is at dawn and dusk, however if you are patient you may hear and see them during the day. Take a pair of binoculars.

Getting there:
The Mapara Wildlife Reserve and track is about 35km southeast of Te Kuiti. Turn on to Kopaki Road from either SH4 or SH30 and then Mapara South Road to the small kiosk at the reserve entrance.

Nature and conservation:
A range of native birds may be seen along the track, including New Zealand Falcon/Karearea, Australasian Harriers, Grey Warbler/Riorio, Shining and Longtail Cuckoo. There are also Kereru, Fantail, Bellbird, Tui and Silver-eyes.
Kokako may also be heard and sometimes seen from the track, and long tailed bats may be seen at dusk and dawn from the track.
The more common forest birds may be seen anywhere along the track, however Kokako are best seen from halfway up the loop track and beyond. The best time to hear Kokako calls is in the early morning or late evening. The Kokako recovery project started in the reserve in 1989 and has been the model for many other conservation projects around the country.

Know before you go:
Bring binoculars to get close-up views of the birds
Bring a head torch if you plan to walk the track before dawn.

For full details see www.doc.govt.nz