Pukaha National Wildlife Centre

Pukaha really is a wonderful place!

Located at the foot of Mt Bruce, about 20 minutes drive North of Masterton, you could blink and miss it. It’s pretty much in the middle of nowhere. As you’re driving along, you’re passing random patch of roadside bush surrounded by farmland, punctuated by an entranceway anouncing the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre - and the Kaka Cafe.

I had driven past a few times before but never had the time to stop - but when you’re on the road there’s always time to grab a coffee.

I’m glad I stopped that day. I never dreamed this out of the way, “point of interest for tourists” ( as I thought ), could have so much to offer.

After ordering black coffee to go, I went out onto the deck as I waited. I thought I saw a Kea - no, it must be a Kaka. Don’t see many of them round these days - none from where I’m from any hoo. The last time I saw a Kaka was Stuart Island on a dive trip. Just as cheeky as a Kea and just as intelligent. So I grabbed my trusty workhorse ( D500 with a 200-500mm f-5.6 ) and waited to catch another glimpse. As I watched I caught something moving in the grass. A Pukeko, but bigger? Kind of a different shape too - is that a Takahe?

I broke the sound barrier retrieving my cannon from the truck ( 300-800mm f-5.6 this lense is nearly a meter long, about as round as a football and weighs half a ton ). I set up on the deck railing and took about a gazillion shots in the small amount of time I had spare.

Having a work engagement, my time there that day was short but really freakin sweet! Lucky for me, work takes me often to the Wairarapa, giving me opportunities for short drop-ins and any full days I can manage in my spare time.

139 KAKARIKI - PUKAHA

292 KAKA EATING - PUKAHA

100 TAKAHE - PUKAHA

346 WHITEHEAD - Mt BRUCE