Puhi Peaks

10/06/2026

An absolutely wonderful achievement for Nicky McArthur - owner of Puhi Peaks - well deserved! ❤️

23/05/2026

The bird that wouldn't give up.

The story of Old Blue is a reminder that "too late" is often just a matter of perspective. In 1980, the entire Black Robin species came down to a single breeding pair. Today, over 250 birds thrive because of one legendary female and a team that refused to let her vanish.

Our native species are more than just wildlife; they are the living history of our land. When we invest in conservation, we aren't just saving a bird—we’re protecting the balance of our entire ecosystem.

If Old Blue can come back from the brink, there is hope for every species we choose to stand behind.

14/05/2026

From the Maniototo to the Seaward Kaikōuras: Celebrating Aotearoa’s Dark Skies

It is fantastic to see more places across Aotearoa being recognized for protecting our natural darkness. A recent Guardian article highlights the small Central Otago town of Naseby and its new status as a Dark Sky Community. From curling under the stars to incredible Milky Way views, it’s a wonderful example of how local communities are valuing the night sky.
For anyone planning a South Island adventure, Naseby and Kaikōura offer two distinct and incredible ways to experience the stars:
• Naseby shows us how a historic town can adapt its lighting to become a Dark Sky Community, blending heritage charm with stargazing.
• Here at Puhi Peaks, we are proud to be part of the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary. This status is reserved for the world’s most remote and pristine locations, where the darkness is near-total and the celestial views are unparalleled.

Protecting these "Natural Strongholds" of darkness is about more than just a pretty view; it’s about conservation, ecology, and creating those rare, quiet moments of wonder.

Whether you are heading into the heart of Otago or visiting us here on the peaks, make sure to look up—our southern skies have a story to tell.

It took 10 years for Naseby to achieve its DarkSky International certification. Now, a night out in the tiny Otago town is like ‘a tour through the history of the universe’

08/05/2026

Today, the world celebrates a century of Sir David Attenborough. For us at Puhi Peaks, his legacy feels personal.

In 1997, Sir David brought his film crew to Kaikōura to document the Hutton’s Shearwater for the BBC, shining a global spotlight on our local endangered tītī. While he visited the colony in the Kowhai River, his work helped the world understand why protecting these mountain-nesting seabirds is so critical—a mission that remains at the very heart of what we do every day here at the station. 💚

Sir David has spent 100 years championing the intricate web of life. His voice continues to inspire our "boots-on-the-ground" biodiversity work, from predator control to habitat protection.

Happy 100th Birthday, Sir David. Thank you for showing the world the magic of our natural world and for teaching us all how to be better guardians of the land. 🌳🌲🪾

"It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth." — Sir David Attenborough.

08/05/2026

Still flowering in May? 🌿

Our Kānuka is still providing for the local ecosystem well into the cooler months. These late blossoms are a vital late-season treat for our native pollinators before the winter properly sets in.

Keeping a close eye on the seasonal shifts here at Puhi Peaks. 🏔️🌳🌸🐝

05/05/2026

A Rare Discovery & A Necessary Win at 1,000m 🏔️🦜

While checking our 1,000m trap lines—originally set to protect our Hutton’s shearwater (Kaikōura tītī) colonies—our biodiversity manager made a remarkable discovery. Kea are back! These iconic alpine parrots haven’t been seen in this part of Kaikōura for quite some time, and finding them residing here is a massive win for our biodiversity efforts.
In the video, you can hear their distinct calls and see one of these two beautiful birds high in the canopy. While we aren’t sure yet if they are a breeding pair, seeing two together is a very promising sign for the area.
However, the video also highlights the harsh reality of the threats they face. Even at this altitude, we are catching feral cats. While our traps aren’t specifically designed for cats, “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” and removing an apex predator from this habitat is vital for the safety of both the kea and the Hutton’s shearwater.
Why this matters:
• Doubling Down on Protection: Our predator control is now more critical than ever, as it protects two of New Zealand’s most vulnerable alpine species in the same terrain.
• High-Country Predators: Feral cats are incredibly adaptable and thrive even in remote, high-altitude environments.
• Biodiversity in Action: This discovery proves that active management allows our native species to return to their rightful homes.
We’re stoked to see kea back on the peaks and are more determined than ever to keep Puhi Peaks a safe haven for them.

04/05/2026

Local Discovery! 12-Year-Old Finds Rare Native Frog in Lower Hutt Backyard. 🐸👀

A remarkable discovery by 12-year-old Rumi Lourie has proven that you don't need to travel to a remote sanctuary to find New Zealand’s rarest treasures. While exploring a creek near his home, Rumi spotted a frog that didn't match the usual introduced species. His curiosity led him to contact the Department of Conservation (DOC), who confirmed it was a native Hochstetter’s frog.
Why this matters for biodiversity:
• Hidden Populations: The discovery revealed a "lost" population that survived in the wild for 50 years following an accidental escape from a 1970s research project.
• Resilience: These frogs have managed to breed and survive in a busy suburban environment despite predators and major weather events.
• Community Science: This fabulous find highlights the vital role that young explorers play in monitoring our local ecosystems. By simply paying attention to their "own backyard," young people can contribute significant data to national conservation efforts.
Rumi’s story is a reminder that biodiversity isn't just something found in national parks—it’s living in our local creeks, bushes, and gardens, waiting to be noticed by the next generation of scientists.

🐸 Did you know Hochstetter’s Frogs:
• Are one of only four ancient native frog species left in New Zealand.
• Unlike most frogs, they don't croak and they don't have external eardrums.
• They have vertical "cat-like" pupils and don't go through a swimming tadpole stage; they hatch as fully formed froglets.

Genetic testing confirmed the Hochstetter's frog was a descendant of a group which escaped captivity during a flood nearly 50 years ago.

04/05/2026

High-Altitude Visitors! 🏔️🦜

Our biodiversity manager had some “supervisors” on the trap lines today. Finding two Kea at 920m is a fantastic sign for our local ecosystem. While they are known for their cheeky personalities, they are also a “Nationally Endangered” species.

Kea Quick Facts:
• Alpine Legends: They are the only parrot in the world that lives in alpine environments.
• Genius Birds: They’ve been observed using tools and working in teams.

Seeing them in our neck of the woods is a rare win. This is why we do what we do! 🌿

23/04/2026

It’s Conservation Week! 🏔️🌿 This year, the challenge is to find simple ways to build “naturing” into your daily habits.
For us, that means heading out on a bird walk count today. It’s a chance to slow down, listen, and record the native species that call the station home. Whether it’s five minutes in the garden or a morning on the tracks, every count helps protect our unique backyard. 🇳🇿
How are you naturing this week? Tag us in your photos! 📸

🔗 doc.govt.nz/conservationweek

13/01/2026