The enigmatic North Island kōkako was crowned Bird of the Year in 2016 and this blue-wattled beauty stands proud on the $50 note.

It's high on most people’s birds-to-see wish list. Once heard and seen, you won’t soon forget the experience.

They are renowned for their haunting song, which evokes the ancient forests of Aotearoa. Kōkako pairs sing one of the longest duets of any songbird: it can last over an hour and carry for kilometres.

This distinguished forest diva is one of our most precious endemic birds.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Experience spectacular geology and views on this overnight loop.

Peter Fleming had almost completed the Heaphy Track, but took a wrong turn after passing Perry Saddle Hut and became lost. On 4 February after he failed to return home, his mother alerted the authorities. On 10 February, after ground search teams discovered the word ‘HELP’ written with stones on Shakespeare Flat beside the swollen Aorere River, a helicopter was used to search for Fleming. The search was abandoned on 18 February, but fortunately a local policeman decided to do a final fly-over and spotted the missing tramper sprawled on a rock, too weak to move. To survive, Fleming had eaten worms, ferns and dead fish. He had been missing for 29 days.

See our list of upcoming tramping events and activities across the motu. Have an event you want to feature? Email us the details!

20 Feb: Ngatuhoa Camping Trip

Location: Ngatuhoa

Join the Alpine Sports club for summer camping at the beautiful Ngatuhoa lodge campsite. They have exclusive use of the campsite over this weekend. More info.

21-22 Feb: Outdoor Training New Zealand River Safety

Location: Karangahake Gorge

This course is designed for hikers to help plan for journeys that may involve rivers and bodies of water; to develop river safety skills, including hazard assessment and river crossing techniques. More info.

27 Feb: Wanaka Crag Fest 2026

Location: Wanaka

The New Zealand Alpine Club and Wānaka Climbing Club are pleased to present Wānaka Crag Fest 2026. This event is a sustainable and inclusive rock-climbing event which promotes community and best practice. Enjoy climbing with new and old friends, learn new skills at the climbing clinics, and enjoy the evenings with events and social gatherings. More info.

28 Feb - 1 March: OTNZ Canterbury Bushcraft course

Location: Craigieburn Trails, Castle Hill

This overnight course will endeavour to develop your personal practical skills and prepare you for tramping safely in the outdoors, led by qualified instructors. More info.

6-7 March: Overnight Banks Peninsula Walking Festival

Location: Canterbury

This two-day, guided overnight walk follows a lesser-known route to Rod Donald Hut. Led by Richard Suggate - former Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust co-chair- and supported by Sara Templeton, the walk will focus on vision sharing, stories of place, and the work happening across Banks Peninsula. More info.

1-30 April: East Auckland Walkfest

Location: East Auckland

A curated celebration of the region’s most scenic and surprising walking trails. From coastal strolls to countryside rambles, this event offers something for everyone, no matter your pace or passion. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a family with young children, or someone who simply loves a leisurely stroll, WalkFest has options to suit all fitness levels and interests. More info.

Answer C - Kānuka

Kānuka, also known as white tea-tree, is a tree or shrub of the myrtle family. It is endemic to NZ and can grow up to 30 metres tall. It is threatened by myrtle rust, a fungal plant disease spread by air-borne spores.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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