One of our main goals while we were staying in Tekapo was to find and photograph Black Stilts – Kaki. They were once one of the most endangered bird species in the world – numbering at 23 individuals. Since the 1980’s they have been managed by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and bred in captivity to boost the population numbers. They were once more common than the Pied Stilt, but are now confined to the MacKenzie Basin.

We were very lucky to find this pair near Glentanner on the Tasman River. Using our car as a hide we could stay on the track while they foraged on the other side of the river, oblivious to us. It was a dull grey day, and a day for record shots rather than impressive photography! The excitement of seeing these gorgeous little birds was more than enough, and I can’t wait to return and try for more photos.