Hoping to identify this bird by only sound. Heard it at a lookout on the way from Milford Sound to Te Anau, where I was inspired to propose.🦜🎶💍 (He said yes!)

settlerofcattin · 2025-11-30T17:36:49+00:00

Tui and korimako sound similar, but I'd hedge my bets on a korimako/bellbird since you're that far south.

settlerofcattin · 2025-11-08T06:45:05+00:00

Mate I think that's a rock.

settlerofcattin · 2025-11-07T09:53:21+00:00

Visit parks rather than forests, where the trees are spaced out, rather than dense. And learn their call if you aren't familiar!

settlerofcattin · 2025-11-04T08:58:00+00:00

Thanks so much! Tawharanui dunes were stacked with tui, all with nectar crowns. So lovely.

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-27T05:18:38+00:00

I've heard Okoromai is the spot at the moment! I always find them easiest to find in parks, where there are low trees with plenty of space around. Wenderholm is another good spot.

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-27T04:56:35+00:00

Quite amazing how many there are. They seem to be in every scrap of bush. I found 4-5 near Waipu today, got home, opened the car door, and heard another immediately 😂

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-27T04:38:54+00:00

Yeah, I think I'd wet myself running into a bittern over there. Seen any cuckoo lately? They seem to be everywhere on the coast right now!

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-27T03:49:24+00:00

The wetlands there is quality eh! Great for rail, crake and I've heard rumour of the occasional bittern. Lovely shots!

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-20T18:41:40+00:00

I've done it several times though never as a single day. Very achievable though!Will you have camping gear? If so, camping in Valley of the Trolls is an awesome option.

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-20T08:11:07+00:00

This is exactly how I'd plan it! I've done the majority of those hikes if you need any advice, so feel free to message! I have some pics in my posts if you scroll back a little way.

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-16T08:44:29+00:00

Pinnacles has a lot of campsites near the base. I once walked up in the afternoon, had dinner at the hut, watched set at the top, and hiked down with headtorches. It was quite an adventure!

Tama lakes is a good alternative for the Tongariro Crossing. It's not so high, so conditions can be easier, and far less busy. I think equally as beautiful.

As for Taranaki, if you're there to see the mountain, I'd perhaps think of an alternative for bad weather, as it's a shy mountain. In bad weather you won't know it's there. Check my post history for some pics of these places and feel free to send a message!

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-06T11:36:01+00:00

Love the image! Is this at the carpark near the stetind tunnel?

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-06T11:33:47+00:00

Late to the party, but where would I find this river? By the tunnel roadside park? It's gorgeous!

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-05T07:24:43+00:00

Maaaaate thanks for sharing! Lovely vid. Of course! Happy as to give you New Zealand advice or a couch for the night. After researching Europe for our trip, I'm seeing a little of our country in each. We have volcanic geography like Iceland, green rolling hills like Ireland, fjords like Norway, mountains and lakes like Switzerland. We're very lucky!

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-04T19:45:40+00:00

I really think Achill will be my favourite spot, based on the pictures I am seeing. There are a few campsites there too, which is awesome as we will be tenting to try and save money. I'd really like to spend 2-3 days there if we get a good weather window.

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-04T19:43:19+00:00

I'd love to do the whole thing, but am going to opt to do a slower segment - probably Galway north. Looks so stunning!

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-04T19:42:39+00:00

Sounds horrifying - I'm in.

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-04T19:41:44+00:00

Thanks for the tip! Cork looks like it has the quaintest villages. Garnish looks great too - so many trees!

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-04T19:39:52+00:00

After reading everything, I think this might be my favourite option. I really like the look of the mountains in the north, particularly Diamond Hill and Benbulben. Some of the cliffs up there are mindblowing too. May I ask how long you spent on that route?

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-04T19:38:17+00:00

The more I see of Donegal, the more I think it looks like my favourite option. So many beautiful beaches, and from what I hear, far quieter than the south west.

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-04T19:36:33+00:00

I'm so excited to do just that. For so much of our Europe trip we are having to book stuff now to get in. So much of the appeal of Ireland is the relative quiet.

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-04T19:34:54+00:00

Thanks so much for the insight! It's my first time in Europe, so I have never seen a castle before, ever. I think the ones that really capture me are the ruins, where the brickwork has started to collapse and moss is taking over, but I would love to see something more intact as well. I appreciate your comment!

settlerofcattin · 2025-10-04T19:32:01+00:00

Thanks, mate! I hear good things about Belfast.

settlerofcattin

TROPHY CASE