The Ancient Art of Falconry
The cache is ”A Celebration of Unique New Zealand Bird's", and our 1000th successful cache.
The ancient art of Falconry is commonly defined as the hunting of wild quarry using trained birds of prey. Strictly speaking Falconry involves only the long-winged hawks, the Falcon family, and only a person who flies a falcon at wild quarry is entitled to call themselves a Falconer.
Although not recognised as a sport in New Zealand, "The Ancient Art of Falconry" is used as a tool in the rehabilitation of New Zealand's raptors. Injured, wild orphaned or captive breed raptors are trained using falconry techniques, essential for improving their hunting skills and fitness prior to release. This is an important tool to access their survival in the wild.
- New Zealand Falcon
- Morepork
- Australasian Harrier Hawk
In New Zealand the Art of Falconry is used to:
- research into the habits and habitat of our raptors,
- enable captive breeding,
- improve public awareness and
- rehabilitation of raptors back into the wild.
If you choose your time right to Go For It you may get the bonus of seeing these amazing birds in the sky around you. Further information about the "Art of Falconry" in New Zealand can be found here.
There is no need to enter the property to collect this cache, and it is located approx. ten minutes from the centre of Rotorua.
Please include photos and stories with your log if you happen to meet or see any of these wonderful raptors.