The New Zealand Whio (Blue Duck) is back!
28/11/2016
Here at Canyoning Queenstown we were so excited to read this amazing news from DOC.
‘We have seen rapid
increases in rare birds such as Kaka , Whio (blue duck) and Mohua (yellowhead).
Just this week a family of Whio were photographed right next to the routeburn
track.’ DOC
The Routeburn Canyon is nestled right in the heart of Mount Aspiring National park and is perfectly placed alongside the Routeburn track. We are very proud of our working relationship with DOC and the Routeburn Dart wildlife Trust. We are working together to encourage native birdsong back into this beautiful environment that we are lucky enough to call our ‘office’.
The Whio (blue duck) is currently at risk of becoming extinct and as it is only found in New Zealand we are so pleased to hear there is a new Whio family in our neck of the woods! Where Blue ducks choose to live is a great sign of the high quality of the water they are living in. They love to use their streamline shape and large webbed feet to move through the fast moving water and feed.
Whio’s are very protective of their young especially as they learn to adapt to the fast moving water. They are very territorial and will return to the same 5km stretch of river time and time again. We are so pleased they have chosen the Routeburn as their home and we hope to see them growing in numbers here for many years to come.
So why not come and check out this stunning day trip with us, as we walk along the Routeburn track and head into the Canyon keep your eyes open and look out for this welcome addition to the National park!
