Bird of the Month - European Greenfinch

All posts
News & Updates

The wee bird hopping around the garden over the next month is likely to be the European Greenfinch and there is likely to be more than one!

During winter the bird tends to flock together before breaking off over Spring to form monogamous pairings to breed. They love the seeds from many of the wild weeds and unfortunately are often first in line to gobble up our newly sown lawn seed. With flocks forming of up to 10,000 birds they can be quite destructive to crops.

Similar in colour to the bellbird and silvereye, predominantly a dull green, has standout yellow bars on their wings and sometimes on the tummy.



Share this post
More from the Blog
March 22, 2025

Bird of the Month: New Zealand Falcon – Kārearea

At Awastone, the diverse landscapes provide an ideal habitat for kārearea. Guests may be fortunate enough to witness these magnificent falcons in action, soaring high above or perched silently as they survey their territory. Observing a kārearea in its natural environment is a memorable experience that highlights the importance of preserving our native wildlife. At this time of year, you may also hear their loud screeching calls—these are the young birds learning the ropes as they master the skills they need to survive.
Read post
January 13, 2025

Discover the Scenic Route: A Two-Day Itinerary from Wellington to Taupō via National Park

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Wellington to Taupō that blends adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery. With the 2025 Desert Road closure, take the opportunity to explore the incredible sights along State Highway 1 and detour through hidden gems like Mangaweka and National Park.
Read post
August 6, 2024

The Best Scenic Stops between Taupo and Wellington

Google tells us that a drive from Taupo to the Cook Strait ferry takes us four hours and 26 minutes but this driver is truly missing out. The drive takes travellers through the most diverse and spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer, volcanoes, rolling sheep country, rugged coastlines and geological snapshots in time.This is our top ten picks of scenic breaks along your journey through the Central Plateau and the lower North Island.
Read post
More from the Blog
March 22, 2025

Bird of the Month: New Zealand Falcon – Kārearea

At Awastone, the diverse landscapes provide an ideal habitat for kārearea. Guests may be fortunate enough to witness these magnificent falcons in action, soaring high above or perched silently as they survey their territory. Observing a kārearea in its natural environment is a memorable experience that highlights the importance of preserving our native wildlife. At this time of year, you may also hear their loud screeching calls—these are the young birds learning the ropes as they master the skills they need to survive.
Read post
January 13, 2025

Discover the Scenic Route: A Two-Day Itinerary from Wellington to Taupō via National Park

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Wellington to Taupō that blends adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery. With the 2025 Desert Road closure, take the opportunity to explore the incredible sights along State Highway 1 and detour through hidden gems like Mangaweka and National Park.
Read post
August 6, 2024

The Best Scenic Stops between Taupo and Wellington

Google tells us that a drive from Taupo to the Cook Strait ferry takes us four hours and 26 minutes but this driver is truly missing out. The drive takes travellers through the most diverse and spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer, volcanoes, rolling sheep country, rugged coastlines and geological snapshots in time.This is our top ten picks of scenic breaks along your journey through the Central Plateau and the lower North Island.
Read post