Wildlife Photography Hides in Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island

Birdquest includes Norfolk Island as an optional extension on some of its Australasian tour programmes, providing a focused 2–3 day stop to search for the critically endangered Norfolk Parakeet and the island's suite of endemic subspecies. The small island is thoroughly birded, typically covering the National Park forest at Mount Pitt and the Kingston area for seabirds and resident species. Expert leaders ensure maximum efficiency in locating target species within the available time. The island is easily accessible by Air New Zealand flights from Auckland or Sydney. Accommodation in self-contained apartments or small hotels throughout the island. Contact Birdquest for current availability.

Norfolk Island National Park

Several local operators on Norfolk Island offer guided nature walks through the National Park specifically targeting the Norfolk Parakeet and other endemic species. These walks are ideal for visiting birders and photographers who want expert local knowledge of the best sites, timings and individual bird locations. The Island's small size means a skilled guide can significantly increase encounter rates with the critically endangered parakeet. Guides often know specific nest trees and reliable feeding sites, especially during the October–January breeding season when parakeets are more vocal and active. Half-day and full-day walk options available. Inquire through the Norfolk Island Visitor Information Centre on Taylors Road, Burnt Pine.

Norfolk Island (Mount Pitt Reserve)

Norfolk Island National Park, covering the northern third of this small sub-Antarctic island, provides the best access to the critically endangered Norfolk Parakeet (Cyanoramphus cookii), with an estimated population of just 200–300 birds — one of the rarest parrots in the world. The park's road network and walking tracks give access to the dense subtropical rainforest where the parakeets forage and nest. The Mount Pitt circuit (1.3 km) and the Red Road track are the most productive early morning routes. The Norfolk Robin (Pacific Robin subspecies, locally threatened), Norfolk Gerygone and the handsome Norfolk Golden Whistler are also regularly encountered. The park's forest represents the last remnant of the subtropical rainforest that once covered the island. Best early morning when parakeets are most active in the canopy. Self-guided with downloaded Parks Australia trail notes.

Norfolk Island (southern coast)

Phillip Island lies approximately 6 km south of Norfolk Island and is an uninhabited nature reserve visible from Norfolk Island's southern cliffs. The island is a major seabird breeding colony but landing is restricted; however, superb views and photography of seabirds in flight can be obtained from the cliff-top viewpoints on Norfolk Island's southern coast, particularly at Point Blackbourne and Captain Cook Monument. Red-tailed Tropicbirds and White Terns nest in the cliffs of both islands and are a constant photogenic presence in the air above. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and petrels pass offshore. The approach to the cliffs also passes through areas of open forest where Norfolk Parakeets are sometimes encountered.

Norfolk Island (Kingston)

The calm, protected waters of Slaughter Bay and Emily Bay within the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area are one of the few places in the world where Green Sea Turtles can be reliably snorkelled with directly from a beach. A small population of Green Turtles resident in the bay has become habituated to snorkellers and can be photographed at close range in the shallow, clear water over the protected coral reef. Emily Bay is a lagoon protected by a fringing reef with water temperatures warm enough for year-round snorkelling. The White Tern, one of Norfolk Island's most charismatic and approachable seabirds, nests directly on tree branches in the town area without nesting material and is easily photographed. Red-tailed Tropicbirds nest in the sea cliffs around Kingston.