Weka, the rustler in the undergrowth

It’s not unusual for a walker to meet a weka on the Queen CharlotteTrack. The New Zealand Weka is a brown ground-dwelling bird that seems to enjoy the company of hikers.

 

Notorious klepto-maniacs, wekas have been known to steal lunches, cameras and sunglasses. So if you see a family of fat, flightless birds in Raybans taking pictures, watch out!