Trip Back to Waitati

Stopping just past the mountains from Milford Sound,

we pulled into a car park for the view

 

and were lucky to spot this Kea, the world's only known alpine parrot species,

a very curious bird who will dismantle anything sticking out on a car like an antenna, and likes clothing (one once chewed a hole in Gwen's pants!).

 

Jess and Max looking for him under a car

 

while the cheeky bird is sitting on the hood. 

Then back into our trusted van

where Gwen's Raspberry, our constant companion, got warmly wrapped up and safely seat belted.

We passed fields of lush lupine which, sadly, are an invasive species in New Zealand.  But, as David says, NZ seems to have embraced them by now-- 

as did Sam and Jess.

Always finding Flying Foxes on our travels.  Always a delight to the kids.