The endangered kea is one of the most intelligent birds in the world. This unique problem-solving parrot was crowned Bird of the Year in 2017.
The kea is a protected species that lives in forests and mountainous areas across the South Island from Golden Bay to Fiordland.

This native parrot is a taonga for Ngāi Tahu and Ngā iwi o Te Tau Ihu (northern South Island iwi) and valued by New Zealanders as an icon of the outdoors.
#kea #parrot #nz
Like many other native birds, kea suffer from predation by introduced mammals. Kea are also impacted by human activity.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native...
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...
This is one of three DOC Great Walk huts on the Kepler Track - the Luxmore, Iris Burn and Moturau. There are also campsites at Brod Bay and Iris Burn.

This hut sits well above the bush line (1085m) and has a fantastic view from the deck across the Kepler Mountains and over Lake Te Anau. Great for sunset and sunrise photos, and a wonderful day walk option from Te Anau.

Facilities and services
In the Great Walks season (24 October 2023 – 30 April 2024)

54 bunks with mattresses in a communal sleeping layout.
Water supply, flushing toilets, wash basins with cold running water (but no showers).
Heating with fuel available, and solar lighting in the communal kitchen area.
Cooking facilities with fuel, tables and seating (but no cooking utensils).
A friendly conservation ranger - they like to chat, they know the area well and can tell you about the environment and weather, or help out should an emergency arise.
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2023 – 23 October 2023)

Gas is not provided - you will need to bring your own cooking stove.
Flush toilets are replaced with pit toilets.
Running water is turned off inside the huts. Water can be obtained from the outside water tank, if this is frozen, then from the nearest water course or by melting snow.
There are no conservation rangers based at the huts.
Beds are on a first come, first served basis