Zealandia

We were reluctant to go to this attraction as it sounded like a commercial zoo. But loads of people recommended it to us so we got on the cable car and walked for about a half hour to see for ourselves. We found a well fenced valley where predators are virtually eliminated so that natives abound. It is true that Zealandia was started as a commercial venture but is now wholly nonprofit. So you hike through the bush on trails. Sometimes you run across a docent or a student doing some field work. Some trails are steep and slippery. A true rainforest especially with the weather we've been having. We saw another Saddleback (998 to go). Also Kakas (parrots), Tuis, Bellbirds, Hihis, Shags (cormorants), ducks, and more. Probably the biggest thrill was the Takahe. These were thought to be extinct but were found in a small colony in 1948. They are a bit bigger than a chicken and use part of their feet like an opposing thumb. Their feathers are iridescent. Although they have wings, they are flightless.