Short answer: On 1 September 2026 DOC said the official kākāpō population had reached 325, a recovery-era high, after a record 90 chicks in the 2026 season. DOC also says there is currently no place where the public can visit or view kākāpō in person. Explera DMC New Zealand plans wildlife days with species clients can see.
This briefing is for travel agents and tour operators whose clients ask about New Zealand's rare birds. The kākāpō is a critically endangered, flightless parrot, and clients often ask to see one.
What did DOC announce?
- Population. The official population reached 325 birds on 1 September 2026, when 90 chicks from the 2026 breeding season were added.
- A record season. DOC called 90 chicks in a single season a record. The previous breeding season was four years earlier.
- A long recovery. The Kākāpō Recovery Programme began in 1995 with 51 birds. DOC thinks the population last passed 300 around 75 years ago.
- Where they breed. DOC names three breeding populations, on Whenua Hou / Codfish Island, Pukenui / Anchor Island and Te Kāhaku / Chalky Island.
- The next season. DOC's modelling suggests the next breeding season could be in 2028.
Can clients see a kākāpō?
- No public viewing. DOC says there is currently no place where the public can visit or view kākāpō in person.
- Set expectations early. Tell clients before they travel, so the request does not reach the guide on the day.
- Tell the story instead. The recovery is a good conservation story for a guide to share on a nature day.
What can groups see instead?
- Wildlife sanctuaries. Predator-free sanctuaries offer close views of other native birds. See our wildlife sanctuaries briefing.
- Stewart Island. Rakiura suits small groups who want birdlife and a remote island. See our Stewart Island briefing.
- Mountain parrots. Kea live in the South Island mountains. Clients should never feed them.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan wildlife and nature experiences and group tours for travel agents and tour operators. See our Stewart Island page, our Brook Waimārama Sanctuary briefing and our Tiaki Promise page.
FAQ
How many kākāpō are there? DOC said the official population reached 325 on 1 September 2026.
How many chicks hatched in 2026? DOC added 90 chicks from the 2026 season, a record for a single season.
Can tourists see kākāpō? No. DOC says there is currently no place where the public can visit or view kākāpō in person.
Where do kākāpō live? DOC names breeding populations on Whenua Hou / Codfish Island, Pukenui / Anchor Island and Te Kāhaku / Chalky Island.
When is the next breeding season? DOC's modelling suggests it could be in 2028.
Sources
- Kākāpō population reaches new milestone, Department of Conservation, 1 September 2026
- Kākāpō recovery, Department of Conservation, checked 24 October 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
