In search of six haunting notes

September 2017

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September 2017

Searching for South Island kōkako in the Caples Valley, 1983. From left are Peter Child, Graeme Elliott, Rhys Buckingham John Kendrick. Photo: karen Baird
In the wettest, most inhospitable parts of New Zealand, the search for the South Island kōkako goes on. Wilderness meets those who have never given up hope of finding alive this elusive bird. The call of the kōkako is a stunning piece of music. Slow, haunting, bell-like and clear, it’s something you don’t forget, Rhys Buckingham […]
Naomi Arnold

About the author

Naomi Arnold

Naomi Arnold is a Nelson tramper, journalist, and author. She particularly enjoys writing about nature, travel, science and adventure. Some of her favourite assignments have been reporting on dotterels from Rakiura, stoats from Preservation Inlet, ice science from Antarctica, and tramping Te Araroa while writing her 2025 trail memoir, Northbound.

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