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Disappointed that there was no mention of Hieraaetus moorei/Pouakai/Haast's Eagle.

https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/sites/all/files/MA_I043829.jpg

Mainly because I love how the local Māori tribe had legends of Pouakai (Old glutton) who lived on a nearby mountain and would fly down to steal dogs and children, and based on that legend, a scientist climbed the mountain, and found sub-fossil nests of the eagle.

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When I'm bored of having the same conversation about NZ* over and over again, I'll tell people these still exist, and as kids we grew up learning to always have one kid looking out for eagles when playing outside.

*Anything related to Lord of the rings, sheep, "oh I'd like to visit!", comparisons with Australia, border lockdowns, etc

My go-to on the "I'd love to visit" is a stern admonishment that

a) you'll need far more than two weeks if you want to see the North Island _and_ South Island

b) if you're having to choose, South Island is Best Island

c) You should think of kea as flying monkeys with a built-in multitool, who are definitely looking to steal your passport and have the means, and be on your guard accordingly.

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