Rees Valley now home to largest wild takahē population outside Fiordland

The Rees Valley is now home to the largest wild population of takahē outside their original stronghold in Fiordland’s Murchison Mountains – a major milestone in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most remarkable conservation recovery stories.

Since the first takahē were released into the Rees Valley in February 2025, 86 birds have been returned to the landscape. In an encouraging sign for the future, the birds have already begun breeding in the wild, showing the valley is providing the habitat and conditions needed for a thriving population.

© DOC Takahē Recovery

The Rees Valley population follows the earlier return of takahē to the nearby Greenstone Valley in 2023. Together, these populations are helping establish the wider Upper Whakatipu as one of the most important strongholds for the species anywhere in New Zealand.

With around 300 takahē now living in the wild nationwide, the growing Upper Whakatipu population represents a significant step forward for a species that was once thought extinct and remains nationally threatened today.

A landscape coming back to life

Located at the head of Lake Whakatipu Waimāori, the Rees Valley is one of the Southern Lakes’ most ecologically significant landscapes. The valley links alpine tussocklands, braided rivers, wetlands and beech forests, creating important habitat for a range of threatened native species and providing a vital biodiversity corridor through the Upper Whakatipu.

Rees Valley by Ben Carson

The benefits of restoration are now being seen well beyond takahē. Whio have returned to parts of the valley for the first time in around 50 years, while weka are also beginning to reappear in areas where they were previously absent – strong signs that ecosystem health is improving across the landscape.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary Chief Executive Paul Kavanagh says the milestone demonstrates what is possible when communities commit to long-term conservation.

“This is a hugely significant milestone for the Whakatipu region and for conservation in New Zealand.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary was formed following scientific reporting that identified the Whakatipu as having the potential for the greatest biodiversity gains anywhere in the country. To now see the Rees Valley become home to the second-largest wild takahē population reflects years of sustained predator control and landscape-scale conservation work, delivered alongside DOC, mana whenua, landowners, volunteers and funding partners.

But this work is far from finished. Protecting and restoring landscapes at this scale requires ongoing commitment, long-term funding partnerships and continued community support to ensure these gains are not only achieved, but sustained for future generations.”

Building a future for takahē

DOC Takahē Recovery Project Lead Jason van de Wetering says establishing new wild populations is critical to securing the future of the species.

“For decades, the Murchison Mountains were the only place takahē survived in the wild. Expanding the species into new landscapes like the Upper Whakatipu is essential to building resilience for the future.

The Rees Valley is proving to be exceptional habitat, but success at this scale only happens when sustained predator control and strong partnerships come together over many years.

Seeing takahē not only survive, but begin breeding in the wild here so quickly, is hugely encouraging for the future of the species.”

Takahē release, Rees Valley by Samuel Purdie

Takahē were rediscovered in 1948 after being presumed extinct for nearly 50 years, becoming one of New Zealand’s most celebrated conservation stories. Today there are around 500 takahē nationwide. While population numbers continue to grow, the species remains nationally threatened and heavily reliant on active management and predator control.

The return of takahē to the Upper Whakatipu is a partnership involving DOC, Ngāi Tahu, Southern Lakes Sanctuary, Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust, landowners and community volunteers, supported by organisations including Fulton Hogan, New Zealand Nature Fund, RealNZ, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, Central Lakes Trust, Lotteries Environment and Heritage Fund, Impact100, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Patagonia, Heli Glenorchy, Stout Trust and many other philanthropic and community supporters.