The Whanganui Region in New Zealand is a paradise for bird watchers, offering a wide range of bird species and diverse habitats. The Whanganui National Park is a particularly popular destination for avian enthusiasts. Located in the central North Island, the park was established to protect the upper reaches of the Whanganui River, New Zealand's longest navigable waterway. In the park, you can find large numbers of kereru (native pigeon), piwakawaka (fantail), tui, toutouwai (robin), riroriro (grey warbler), and miromiro (tomtit). Beautiful whio (blue duck), which is the target of a Department of Conservation recovery plan and has steadily increasing numbers. Kaka and yellow-crowned parakeets. Nighttime calls of the North Island brown kiwi.
The Whanganui River, which flows through the national park, is the centerpiece of the area. This 290km-long river flows from Tongariro National Park to the Tasman Sea, providing a unique opportunity for water-based bird watching. One of the best ways to explore the park is by taking the Whanganui Journey, a 145-kilometer river trip from Taumarunui to the village of Pipiriki, which takes about five days to complete by canoe or kayak. In addition to the Whanganui National Park, the Wanganui Region offers other birdwatching opportunities, such as the Forest Park Sanctuary and the Manawatu Estuary.