Packing a Punch

New Zealand is one of those countries that packs an enormous amount into a relatively small package. It’s unpretentious, despite its wonderful portfolio of natural treasures that range from the semi-tropical tip of North Island to the British-like climes at the foot of South Island. We unwound from our flight with a day trip to the island of Tiritiri Matangi — a two-hour ferry trip north of Auckland’s city core. On a glorious sunny day, we spent several hours crossing the island, steadily ticking off our sightings of rare birds. After a fruitless search through the undergrowth, we headed to the small volunteer-run cafe for our tea and sandwiches. It was there that we found the takahe, scrounging fearlessly beneath the tables. Every so often, a volunteer would emerge from inside the cafe to direct a raucous warning — Don’t feed the takahe!”