Key facts
- Fact 01
Kea are parrots found only in New Zealand; DOC lists them as endemic.
- Fact 02
DOC has described the kea as the world's only alpine parrot.
- Fact 03
DOC estimates the wild kea population at 1,000 to 5,000 birds.
- Fact 04
DOC classes kea as Threatened, Nationally Endangered.
- Fact 05
Stoats are the main predator of kea, DOC says.
Kea are parrots that live only in New Zealand, and the Department of Conservation has described them as the world's only alpine parrot, in the title of a 2014 post on its conservation blog. DOC's kea page says kea live in alpine (mountain) areas and forests across the South Island, from Golden Bay to Fiordland, and that some also live near sea level.
The alpine label has a footnote. A 2021 University of Otago study, reported by RNZ, found that kea are not alpine specialists but adapted to open high country to retreat from human disturbance.
DOC estimates the population at 1,000 to 5,000 birds and classes kea as Threatened, Nationally Endangered. Stoats are the main predator; feral cats also kill adults, chicks and eggs, possums damage nests and rats eat eggs. DOC also lists lead poisoning, deliberate killing, accidents with cars and being fed by people among the threats.
DOC calls kea one of the smartest birds in the world, famous for solving problems. In a 2020 University of Auckland study published in Nature Communications, kea performed similarly to chimpanzees and human infants in tests of probability.
Near Queenstown and in Fiordland, DOC lists the Routeburn Track and Key Summit Track, the alpine section and Iris Burn area of the Kepler Track, and the Homer Tunnel area on the way to Milford among places to see kea.
DOC's advice is plain: never feed kea, because feeding them is harmful. Human food also teaches them to approach buildings, where they can eat roofs with poisonous lead in them. Put away loose clothing, food and gear, especially brightly coloured things, because kea investigate them.
Driving past the Homer Tunnel? Our Queenstown to Milford Sound planner covers the road, and our short walks guide has easier walks closer to town.
Questions visitors are asking
Are kea the world's only alpine parrot?
DOC calls the kea the world's only alpine parrot, in the title of a 2014 post on its conservation blog. A 2021 University of Otago study, reported by RNZ, found kea are not true alpine specialists but adapted to open high country to retreat from people. DOC says some kea also live near sea level.
How many kea are left in the wild?
DOC estimates there are 1,000 to 5,000 kea in New Zealand and classes the species as Threatened, Nationally Endangered. Stoats are the main predator, and lead poisoning, cars, deliberate killing and being fed by people are other threats. Kea live across the South Island, from Golden Bay to Fiordland.
Where can I see kea near Queenstown?
DOC lists the Routeburn Track and Key Summit Track, the alpine section and Iris Burn area of the Kepler Track, and the Homer Tunnel area on the way to Milford among places to see kea near Queenstown and in Fiordland. Wherever you meet one, DOC asks you never to feed it.
Can I feed kea?
No. DOC says never feed kea, because feeding them is harmful. Human food harms kea and teaches them to approach buildings, where they can eat roofs with poisonous lead in them. Around Queenstown and in Fiordland, put away loose clothing, food and gear, especially brightly coloured objects, because kea investigate them.
How smart are kea?
DOC calls kea one of the smartest birds in the world, famous for solving problems. In a University of Auckland study by Bastos and Taylor, published in Nature Communications on 4 March 2020, kea performed similarly to chimpanzees and human infants in tests of probability.