A traditional delicacy of our ancestors, the godwit's return to NZ's shores is a spectacle for bird-watchers around the world.
The annual harvesting of the godwit is said to have caused a drop in numbers with subsequent legislation introduced making the harvesting of godwit illegal.
Its non-stop flight from the top of the northern-hemisphere to NZ is a spectacle for bird watchers worldwide. According to Māori, the stone in the throat of the godwit relies on a certain rock type here in this land to assist in its annual navigation back to NZ shores.
The godwit will spend the summer months fattening up on NZ seafood before returning overseas in March of next year.