Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, Wildlife refuge in Mount Bruce, New Zealand
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a protected refuge on Mount Bruce managing around 942 hectares of natural forest that provides habitats for native bird species. The sprawling site features specialized aviaries and enclosures where various endangered birds can live in conditions close to their natural environment.
The site developed from the 70 Mile Bush, an original forest area transformed into a modern conservation reserve. This transformation focused on saving threatened species through specialized breeding programs and forest management.
The name Pūkaha comes from Māori language and means 'windy mountain', reflecting the deep connection between this place and indigenous traditions. Visitors can sense this cultural meaning while walking through the forests and learning about the land's past.
The site is open daily and provides guided tours and talks about wildlife and conservation. Wear sturdy shoes as paths lead through forest areas with varying conditions depending on the weather.
The site houses Manukura, an extremely rare white kiwi known worldwide. This extraordinary bird is a central attraction for visitors wanting to see how this singular species lives in the reserve.
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