Simply Birding Catalog

Bushy Point Fernbirds B&B
[bushypointnz]

GPS: -46.453208,168.316378

Our homestay is located on an eco-friendly, privately owned, managed and protected forest & wetland reserve on the edge of the New River Estuary, Invercargill, Southland. We have been restoration planting since 1992 and are carbon neutral with zero impact on our wetland.

Predator mammals are under constant control on the reserve, which has increased bird populations significantly. Fernbirds can often be seen very close to the boardwalk and heard calling from the house on a still evening. We get reliable views for 99% of watchers. Good numbers of tui and bellbird provide a dawn chorus from our 2 guest rooms and can be seen feeding 1 metre away from the breakfast table. Fantails follow along the walk taking insects on the wing and grey warblers are easily seen. An Australasian Harrier roost nearby draws numbers of hawks back each night.

We are only 10 minutes drive from Invercargill, 5 minutes to airport, 25 minutes to Bluff port. Our homestay is ideal for stopping over before or after Stewart Island, Catlins or Fiordland. Start your NZ holiday from here, recover from jet lag surrounded by nature.

Take a short drive to restaurants nearby or feel welcome to use our kitchen to cook your evening meal.

Staying at our relaxing homestay increases the opportunty to see fernbirds but if your itinerary does not allow a stay, contact us to arrange a time for a tour. Cell phone reception is patchy around Otatara, remember this when in the area.

How to get there:
From Invercargill head towards Oreti Beach. After passing the airport you will reach the township of Otatara. At the first major intersection follow the "Wetland Walk Fernbird" yellow AA sign from the main road. Follow these signs to the end of the gravel on Grant Road. For more directions see map below.

Text and images courtesy of Ian and Jenny Gamble

Memory

For more information, please visit the webpage.

This item was added to our catalog on Monday 29 September, 2008.