Alyssa Tresider / Sunday, 2 March 2025

/ Categories: NZ blog

Where to see kākāpō in New Zealand

Exploring New Zealand by campervan and keen to see some of the country’s most extraordinary wildlife? Few creatures are as rare – or as fascinating – as the kākāpō. This flightless, nocturnal parrot is one of the country’s most unique birds. Known for its moss-green feathers, endearing owl-like face, and surprising personality, the kākāpō is a true conservation success story.

With fewer than 300 left in the world, spotting kākāpō is no easy feat. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. While kākāpō only live on a few predator-free islands and inland sanctuaries, there are still ways to catch a glimpse of these charismatic birds. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just curious about New Zealand’s rarest residents, this guide will show you where (and how) to see a kākāpō during your campervan road trip.

Understanding the Kākāpō

The kākāpō’s story is one of survival against the odds. Once common across New Zealand, these flightless, nocturnal parrots were almost wiped out by habitat loss and introduced predators like stoats, rats, and cats. By the 1990s, fewer than 50 remained, making them one of the world’s rarest birds.

But thanks to decades of dedicated conservation work, the kākāpō is making a slow but incredible comeback. Today, there are just under 300 of them, all living on carefully managed, predator-free islands. While they’re still critically endangered, their numbers are growing – a testament to the power of conservation and just how special this bird is.

Kākāpō conservation in New Zealand

Keeping kākāpō safe is a massive undertaking. They now live on a handful of remote islands that are kept free from predators and carefully monitored by conservation teams. These dedicated conservationists track every bird, protect their nests, and even step in to help with hand-rearing chicks when needed.

One of the most fascinating parts of kākāpō conservation is their intensive management. Every bird has a name and is fitted with a radio transmitter, allowing scientists to monitor their movements, health, and breeding habits. Breeding itself is a challenge – kākāpō only mate when native rimu trees produce large amounts of fruit, which can be as infrequent as every two to four years. To help, conservationists sometimes collect and incubate eggs or provide supplementary feeding to boost breeding success.

The Kākāpō Recovery Programme has played a critical role in saving these birds from extinction. Since the 1990s, dedicated conservationists have worked tirelessly to rebuild the population using cutting-edge techniques in genetics, disease management, and habitat protection. With fewer than 300 birds remaining, ongoing support is vital—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply raising awareness of these extraordinary parrots.

Fascinating kākāpō facts

If their survival story isn’t enough to make you fall in love with kākāpō, their unique traits will:

They can live up to 90 years – making them one of the longest-living birds in the world.

They’re the world’s heaviest parrot – adult males can weigh up to 4 kg.

They don’t fly – but they do climb – kākāpō use their strong legs and beak to scramble up trees.

Their mating call is like a subwoofer – males produce a deep, booming call that can be heard kilometres away during breeding season.

Each kākāpō has its own personality – some are shy, some are playful, and some, like the famous Sirocco, love human attention a little too much.

Where do kākāpō live in NZ?

Kākāpō are among the most protected birds in the world, so they don’t live in places you can easily visit. Their wild populations are restricted to a few predator-free islands, and public access is highly restricted to ensure their survival. However, there are still ways to learn more about these remarkable birds, and in some cases, even see one up close.

Codfish Island/Whenua Hou

Codfish Island, or Whenua Hou, sits just off the coast of Rakiura / Stewart Island and is home to the largest population of kākāpō. This predator-free sanctuary is where much of New Zealand’s kākāpō conservation work happens, with dedicated rangers monitoring and caring for the birds. Kākāpō here are carefully tracked, and their breeding is closely managed to ensure the population continues to grow.

While you can’t set foot on the island, you can still base yourself in Oban on Stewart Island and explore nearby Ulva Island, another predator-free sanctuary home to some of New Zealand’s rarest birdlife. If you’re lucky, you might even hear the distant boom of a male kākāpō calling during the breeding season. Campervans aren’t permitted on Stewart Island, but you can park up at Bluff Camping Ground before catching the ferry.

Anchor Island

Anchor Island, located in Fiordland’s Dusky Sound, is another key sanctuary for kākāpō. It’s home to a growing population of these birds and plays a vital role in conservation efforts. Like Codfish Island, it is a carefully controlled environment, and public access is extremely limited.

The best way to get close to Anchor Island is by joining a multi-day Fiordland cruise or guided kayaking tour. While you won’t be able to step onto the island itself, exploring the surrounding waters offers a glimpse into the untouched landscapes where kākāpō are thriving.

Te Anau is the best base for exploring Fiordland National Park by campervan. Park up at the Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park and enjoy the magic of this special park of New Zealand.

Chalky Island

Chalky Island, or Te Kākahu-o-Tamatea, is another predator-free island sanctuary in Fiordland. It’s one of the newer kākāpō relocation sites, helping to spread the population across multiple safe locations. Like the other island sanctuaries, public access is restricted, but some scenic flights and boat tours pass by, giving you a glimpse of the remote landscapes where these birds now live.

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Located in the Waikato region, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is home to a range of rare native birds, including takahē, kākā, and kiwi.

While kākāpō don’t live here permanently, Maungatautari has been used as a temporary home for some individuals, and the sanctuary plays an important role in native bird conservation. It’s also one of the best places to experience a thriving native forest without having to venture to a remote island.

There are several campervan-friendly campsites nearby, including the Mighty River Domain in Karapiro, which offers lakeside spots just a short drive away.

Zealandia Sanctuary

Located just minutes from Wellington’s CBD, Zealandia is a fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary working to restore native wildlife. While it doesn’t have a resident kākāpō population, it has hosted birds in the past, and it remains one of the best places to learn about New Zealand’s conservation efforts.

Zealandia’s night tours give you the chance to see other rare species, including kiwi and tuatara, in a natural setting. It’s an easy stop on any campervan trip through Wellington, with Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park offering a convenient place to park up nearby.

How to spot a kākāpō

Kākāpō are nocturnal, well-camouflaged, and live in remote, predator-free habitats, making them incredibly difficult to spot in the wild. However, if you’re in areas like Fiordland or Stewart Island/Rakiura, where they were once found, you can keep an eye (and ear) out for signs that one may be nearby.

Where to look for a kākāpō

Kākāpō prefer rugged terrain with dense vegetation, from coastal forests to alpine tussock lands. Males create track-and-bowl systems in high-altitude areas like ridge crests and hilltops. These are well-worn pathways leading to shallow depressions, or ‘bowls,’ where they perform their famous booming calls during breeding season.

Signs of a kākāpō

Even if you don’t see a kākāpō itself, you may notice clues that one has been in the area:

Feathers – Pale yellow to moss-green, with black and brown markings. Freshly shed feathers have a distinctive musty smell.

Droppings – Large (25–50mm), green to dark brown, and usually firm. Often found under overhanging rocks, tree roots, or dense vegetation.

Tracks – Wide, well-defined paths (30–60cm) where males clear vegetation for their display grounds.

Bowls – Circular depressions (45–60cm wide) in the ground, often near a boulder or tree base, connected by tracks.

Chewed vegetation – Kākāpō leave behind distinctive chew marks, often on tree branches, bark, or pine sprigs.

What to listen for

During breeding seasons, male kākāpō produce a deep, resonant booming call, which can travel several kilometres. This sound is designed to attract females and is one of the most distinctive ways to detect their presence. If you’re in Fiordland or Stewart Island during the right season, it’s worth stopping to listen after dark.

Reporting a kākāpō sighting

If you come across evidence of a kākāpō in the wild – such as feathers, droppings, or hearing a booming call – the Kākāpō Recovery Programme encourages you to report it. Any confirmed signs of kākāpō in unexpected areas could lead to new conservation efforts. You’ll find contact details and more information on the Kakapo Recovery Facebook page.

More wildlife destinations around New Zealand

While kākāpō live on protected islands with limited access, there are plenty of other places across New Zealand where you can learn about conservation efforts and see rare native species up close. Here are a few top spots to add to your wildlife-focused campervan trip

Tiritiri Matangi Island – A world-renowned open sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. This predator-free island is home to some of New Zealand’s rarest birds, including takahē, kōkako, hihi (stitchbird), and tīeke (saddleback). Well-maintained walking tracks and guided tours offer an immersive wildlife experience, making it a must-visit for bird enthusiasts.

Moutohorā (Whale Island) – Located off the coast of Whakatāne, this predator-free island is a haven for native birds, including saddlebacks, little brown kiwi, and tuatara. Access is by guided tour only, with limited visitor numbers to protect the ecosystem.

Kapiti Island – One of the best places in New Zealand for birdwatching, this sanctuary is home to rare species like kōkako, kākā, takahē, and little spotted kiwi. Guided day and overnight tours allow visitors to experience the island’s thriving native bird populations.

Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula – Home to the Royal Albatross Centre, where you can see the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony. The peninsula is also one of the best places to spot yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and sea lions.

Te Anau Bird Sanctuary – A great stop in Fiordland, this sanctuary provides a safe home for endangered birds like takahē, which were once thought extinct. Entry is free, and it’s an easy addition to any trip to Milford or Doubtful Sound.

To help you plan the perfect bird-spotting travel itinerary, check out more of our helpful guides:

Where to see kiwi in New Zealand

Where to see penguins in New Zealand

Where to see kea in New Zealand

Responsible wildlife tourism

New Zealand’s unique wildlife is one of its biggest drawcards, but with that comes the responsibility to protect it. Kākāpō, like many native species, are incredibly vulnerable to predators and habitat destruction. Whether you’re visiting sanctuaries, exploring nature reserves, or spotting birds in the wild, responsible travel ensures these species can thrive for generations to come.

Respecting wildlife habitats

New Zealand’s conservation areas are carefully managed to protect native species, and visitors play a key role in keeping these spaces safe. Always follow these golden rules when exploring:

Stick to marked tracks and boardwalks to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems.

Never touch or feed wild birds – it can disrupt their natural behaviour and harm their health.

Keep noise to a minimum, especially in bird sanctuaries where species like kiwi and takahē are sensitive to disturbances.

Follow all biosecurity guidelines when visiting predator-free islands – this means checking for seeds, dirt, and even rodents in your gear.

Eco-friendly travel in a campervan

Travelling by campervan allows you to experience New Zealand’s landscapes up close, but it’s important to minimise your impact. A few simple choices can make your road trip more sustainable:

Use holiday parks and DOC campsites with waste disposal facilities instead of freedom camping in sensitive areas.

Reduce single-use plastics by bringing reusable water bottles, containers, and coffee cups.

Stick to responsible driving practices – avoid off-road driving, and park only in designated areas to protect native vegetation.

Support local conservation initiatives, whether by donating to wildlife charities or visiting eco-sanctuaries.

Why choose Apollo for your wildlife adventure?

Apollo offers a range of fully equipped campervans and motorhomes designed for easy, self-contained travel. Whether you’re heading to Fiordland to learn about kākāpō conservation or stopping at eco-sanctuaries like Zealandia, having a camper means you can stay close to nature while enjoying modern conveniences.

The Apollo advantage:

Stay close to wildlife hotspots – With a campervan, you can park near conservation areas like Fiordland, Stewart Island, and Zealandia, avoiding the need for rigid hotel bookings and long drives.

Self-contained comfort – After a night-time wildlife tour or a long day exploring, you’ll have a warm, cosy space to cook a meal, recharge, and rest up for the next day’s adventures.

Eco-conscious travel – Many Apollo campervans feature fuel-efficient engines and solar power, helping to reduce emissions and your environmental footprint.

Flexibility for off-the-beaten-path adventures – Some of the best wildlife destinations aren’t near major towns. With a campervan, you can easily reach remote DOC campsites and scenic conservation areas while carrying everything you need.

Affordable and convenient – Travelling in a campervan can be more cost-effective than booking hotels, especially in high-demand wildlife areas. With built-in kitchens, you can also save on dining expenses while enjoying home-cooked meals on the road.

Start your wildlife spotting road trip

A campervan trip through New Zealand offers the perfect balance of flexibility, comfort, and adventure. Whether you're heading south to Fiordland’s remote landscapes or exploring conservation sites in the North Island, Apollo has the right vehicle for your journey. Book your Apollo campervan today and start planning your unforgettable wildlife road trip.