Bird's eye view of nature

There is something for everyone at Bushy Park Tarapuruhi, from friendly native birds and lizards to wetland walks and giant rātā. By Caroline Wood

Things have come a long way since Whanganui farmer Frank Moore donated his farm and homestead to Forest & Bird in 1962 and over time it became a nature sanctuary called Bushy Park Tarapuruhi. 

In 2005, thanks to some really hard mahi by local volunteers, led by Allan Anderson, funds were raised for a predator-free fence to be built. This allowed the transfer of hihi and other native bird species, which began to breed. 

Tarapuruhi celebrated another big milestone recently. “We are now free of cattle inside the fence and have removed the final paddock fencing in preparation for this winter’s planting,” explained Forest & Bird’s sanctuary manager Mandy Brooke. “We have our plant nursery full of plants ready to go in the ground and are preparing the site for our first plantings. 

“This is a big deal for Bushy Park Tarapuruhi, as it means it is protected from introduced predators, including mouse population managed to low levels. Our current focus is on planting species for hihi foraging and lizard habitat. This is part of a five-year project growing, planting, and caring for new vegetation areas.” 

Thank you to our partners Bushy Park Trust and Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi for helping put Tarapuruhi on the map as a nationally important bird sanctuary. Forest & Bird also acknowledges Horizons Regional Council, Whanganui District Council, The Tindall Foundation and Playstation for helping to fund our conservation work.

Pano Bushy Park fence. Image Joe Potter

North American volunteer Joe Potter, of Earlham College, recently volunteered at Bushy Park Tarapuruhi and took some incredible new aerial photos of the sanctuary. These offer a bird’s eye view of how the predator-free fence has allowed the remnant forest and wetland to flourish. Thank you to Joe for letting us share them here. 

Getting there is easy. The sanctuary is located 25 minutes outside Whanganui. Bushy Park Tarapuruhiis wheelchair and child friendly, so bring the family and friends out for an enjoyable journey of nature discovery. But please help protect this predator-fenced sanctuary by leaving your dogs at home.

FOREST SANCTUARY This is a national Forest & Bird Project. Walk among giant trees and experience rare native wildlife in a stunning ancient forest. Open during daylight hours. Entry is free.

HISTORIC HOMESTEAD Experience the splendour of a grand historic home located within one of New Zealand’s top forest sanctuaries. Available for B&B accommodation, meals, refreshments, and venue hire. Find out more,

Wetland and board walk Bushy Park. Image Joe Potter