A recent transit through Auckland when heading north gave an opportunity to visit Shakespear Regional Park. This was something I’ve long wanted to do. Tawharanui Regional Park is a gem that I have often visited and from the images I have seen, Shakespear is similar but closer to Auckland.
Both parks run as working farms to pay their way and occupy the end of a peninsula simplifying a border for pest control. Shakespear has the advantage of having Tiritiri Matangi lying offshore and is able to naturally recruit some species from there.
In terms of species, both share a number of similar habitats. Firstly, the agricultural land hosts large numbers of Pūkeko and Pūtangitangi/Paradise Shelduck.
There are wetland/marsh areas that host Mātātā/Fernbird, Poaka/Pied Stilt, Pāteke/Brown Teal, Moho pererū/Banded Rail and Pūweto/Spotless Crake.
Native bush areas accommodate Tūī, Pōpokatea/Whitehead, Tieke/Saddleback, Rirorio/Grey Warbler and the ubiquitous Piwakaka/Fantail. The secret is to move slowly, listen and watch and then try and line up a clear view and reasonable background – always challenging in the busy low light environment. This is one situation where aperture priority and autoISO work well.
Emerging from our bush walk we heard and saw a number of Kākāriki/Red-fronted Parakeets flying. One landed in a Kānuka in front of us and gave a nice opportunity for some images.
On the day Shakespear Regional Park exceed my expectations. The range of habitats gives a variety of options and we were lucky with our varied encounters. A short drive from Auckland, it is very accessible and well worth a visit.
Photos with Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 800mm f6.3 VR S
