WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER MARK CARWARDINE VISITS THE WILDERNESS LODGES

14/12/11

British wildlife photographer and zoologist, Mark Carwardine recently visited the Wilderness Lodges on his most recent mission to photograph New Zealand’s special wildlife. Mark main focus at Arthur’s Pass was to find kea parrots and at Lake Moeraki to see the Tawaki penguins.

Most well-known as the co-presenter of BBC series Last Chance to See where he had his infamous encounter with Sirocco the kakapo, Mark has spent a lifetime photographing rare creatures. He calls New Zealand a wildlife “hotspot” and rates it as one of the best places in the world to see wildlife.

Mark got some wonderful shots of kea parrots playing above the tree line in Arthur’s Pass and some beautiful tawaki penguin photos on the Moeraki coast. These special animals are unique to New Zealand and a must-see for visiting wildlife enthusiasts. Kea are the world’s only alpine parrot and among the world’s smartest animals. They make use of nearly 300 different food sources in the South Island’s mountains and are known as the clowns of the mountains thanks to their playful antics. At both the Wilderness Lodges we regularly see kea parrots around the grounds and on our guided walks.

Kea parrots at play in Arthur's Pass

Tawaki penguins are the second rarest on the planet and breed only in the southwest corner of New Zealand. At Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki we run daily guided walks to see tawaki during the July-December breeding season. With their ‘rock star’ haircuts and comical shuffling walk it is a very special experience to watch them make their way between their rainforest nests and the surf of the Tasman Sea.

Tawaki penguin with chick on the Moeraki Coast

During his time with us we discussed the importance of giving people the chance see wildlife and visit wild places so they are inspired to become conservation advocates and how this can be best balanced with careful and sensitive conservation. It was a pleasure to host Mark and find he shared many of the philosophies that the Wilderness Lodges have been built upon.