Wingspan - The place to go if you are obsessed with birds.

I like birds. If you are new here, this may come as news. If not, you may already know this little factoid about myself. Athena and birds are like Peanut Butter and Jam, a really bloody brilliant combo.

So when travelling, I try and see if there are any places where birds and I can come together. Wingspan is one such place. This is one of New Zealand’s leading places for falcons conservation and is the place to visit if you wish to learn more about our birds of prey.

I am no stranger to Wingspan. This visit was my third. And I always come away from the experience wth my heart fill and my smile large and my step light. There is something magical about Wingspan. Properly the birds. I am a big fan after all.

The Wingspan Centre is not open to the public outside of its open days. You need to book via emailing them for a spot, for Thursday - Saturday. Info on this can be found here

What do expect during your visit

Upon arrival, after showing your vaccine pass and signing in, you will be directed towards your seat. This is outside and is a collection of wooden benches directed towards a stand and open field.

And then the fun begins.

What you will experience is a mix of education and fun. Funcation, if you will. The falconers will come out and introduce you to some of the birds that call Wingspan home. On my third visit, I meet Star, a rebellious teen and Ari, one of the new falcons on the block.

During the demonstration, you learn about the New Zealand Falcon or kārearea and what makes them so special. You also get to see them fly and chase some chicken tied to a stick. It is more exciting than I am making it out to be ha.

Watching a falcon, catch chicken thrown in the air is also amazing. The way they fly is something to be marvelled at. They are all feathered speed and agility.

These falcons may fly off and never come back. And that is okay with the staff at Wingspan. It just means it was time for them to leave, because for them, the wish of the bird is the highest priority here.

After flying, if the falcon feels like it, the staff will bring them closer and sometimes you can have a quick hold. That is well, special is an understatement. To feel their talons, which do not dig in, but are gentle, on your skin and to come nose to beak with these gorgeous animals is life changing.

Holding a kārearea is an amazing experience

I have held a kārearea three times now, and every time i still get heart flutters and the most stupidest grin spread across my face ha.

After the kārearea, you may also meet some other guests who call Wingspan home. Including Jarli, the Barn own, New Zealand’s newest native bird of prey and a kahu. All are amazing to meet. Jarli is gorgeous with her heart shaped face and snowy white body and the way she smiles while devouring a mice is oddly cute. In a creepy kind of way. And Kahu, are wise looking with their flashing grey eyes and are huge compared with our other birds of prey here in New Zealand.

Wingspan will always be my Disneyland. A place where you can see birds be amazing without feeling like you are taking advantage of them. Because, the birds truely do run the show here.

I am always wary about animal tourism. I love animals and hate to see their exploitation. So when I am traveling and want to partake in eco-tourism or anything animal related, I first do a lot of research. And I can hand on my heart say, Wingspan is a great place to see New Zealand Birds of Prey and learn about them in a safe and compassionate way. There is no exploitation in sight.

This is information being provided so we know more about these awesome creatures. This is the future of the kārearea, which has a population of only between 5,000–8,000 birds. That is less than our national bird of the Kiwi. So, go along. Learn lots and have a close encounter of a kārearea kind. The birds are not here for the audience, rather we are here for the birds.