Experience the Tieke / North Island Saddleback
(Philesturnus carunculatus rufusater)

Restoration Visitor Experience Facts

"Saddlebacks" by Andre Chalmers. Winner of "Spring Sketchings" competition 2004

Tieke News

• Dec 2004: The "Te Mahanga Track" saddleback family are regularly seen along this track after successfully fledging three chicks.
• Dec 2004: Some of last-year's chicks have paired up and are successfully breeding in the Sanctuary. Other young birds from last season are still pairing up and hopefully will start breeding soon.

Seeing Saddlebacks

Tieke have dispersed throughout the valley. Visitors are able to see or hear saddleback on most tracks from the weka fence south, especially along the Lake Road, Te Mahanga Track and the Round-the-Lake-track.

• Sanctuary map

More Information

• NZ Birds Gallery – Stories of how the tieke got its red back and why they are called the water bird.
• Hear saddleback calls at the Kiwi Wildlife Tours website
• Buy saddleback beanie birds and soft toys at our online shop.