Our story
Connecting people with Aotearoa's remarkable birdlife
Backyard Birds NZ was born from a simple idea — that the birds living alongside us are extraordinary, and that more people deserve to know them. We photograph, we learn, and we share.
How it started
It began with a tūī in the garden and a curiosity that wouldn't quit. Armed with a camera and a field guide, what started as a weekend hobby quickly became a mission — to document and celebrate the birds that make New Zealand so uniquely alive.
What we believe
New Zealand's birds are found nowhere else on Earth. Many are threatened. We believe that when people truly see them — really see them — they want to protect them. Photography is our way of making that connection happen.
"The goal of Backyard Birds NZ is to connect people with the amazing birdlife we are blessed with here in Aotearoa."
— Backyard Birds NZ
Birds we've photographed
Tūī
New Zealand's master mimic, with iridescent plumage and a white throat tuft.
Pied Shag
A striking coastal cormorant often spotted drying wings on harbour rocks.
Kererū
The native wood pigeon — large, gentle, and crucial for forest regeneration.
Fantail / Pīwakawaka
Fearless and friendly, these tiny birds follow walkers through the bush.
Kōtare
The sacred kingfisher — a flash of turquoise and gold along our waterways.
And many more…
All photos shot in Aotearoa, in the wild, in natural light.
All photos shot in Aotearoa