Females wanted for some great bachelor robins!

Greater Wellington is offering you a chance to see bachelor North Island robins in their natural habitat this Saturday (20 February) in the East Harbour Robin Walk.

“We’ll be looking out for single males. They’re friendly and curious – mainly because they’re on the lookout for a mate,” says Greater Wellington Environmental Technician Owen Spearpoint. “We’ll be leaving the family groups alone – they’re understandably a little more cautious.”

Owen says that North Island robins were once thriving in the Rimutaka and Orongorongo ranges but they disappeared from the Wellington region by the 1890s due to the introduction of pests such as rats and possums.

“But now, as a result of extensive pest control carried out by Greater Wellington and the Mainland Island Restoration (MIRO) environmental group, North Island robins have returned. Twenty-eight birds were released by MIRO in 2008 and since then pairs of robins have been seen as well as fledglings, which is a great sign that a breeding population is being established.”

Owen and a member of MIRO will lead the walk into East Harbour Regional Park’s Gollans Valley, where the robins have most recently been seen. “It’s a beautiful walk – you’ll get to see northern rata trees and native plants that are thriving now that the pests are under control. Just watch out for amorous bachelor robins!”


When: Saturday 20 February, 9am
Where: East Harbour Regional Park
How to get there: Exit SH2 at Petone and follow the Esplanade, Waione St and Seaview Rd to Williams Park at Days Bay
Duration: Five hours
Bookings essential: Call 04 801 1041 or email bookings@gw.govt.nz