Annual 'Farewell to the Godwits" ceremony
This is a ceremony to wish the Godwits a safe journey back to Alaska which is their breeding ground.
To escape the harsh Alaskan winters the Godwits fly some 12.000 km non-stop to spend our summer here with us.
Every year in September we wait with anticipation for between 1500 and 2000 birds to make it safely back to our estuary.
In March each year they get ready again for the long journey back to Alaska which will take them several weeks as they stop in wetlands around the Yellow Sea to refuel before continuing to Alaska. A truly amazing feat by such small birds.
We meet at Southshore Spit Reserve from where we can see the birds up- close before they leave.
1800 - Public gathers for free BBQ sausages, music, information stall
1830 - Welcome
1840 - Guided walk to view Godwits up close
The 2025 event saw 730 (counted) members of the public enjoying food, drinks, entertainment, information and a good look at the Godwits before they fly to Alaska. Southshore Spit Reserve (end of Rockinghorse Road - Southshore)
Take the number 60 bus
Ample parking at the very end of Pukeko Place at the end of Rockinghorse Road
More Info
2024 saw our 26th year of this ceremony where 340 members of the public came to wish the birds a safe journey.
We plan the dates every year based on when there is a high tide in the estuary which brings the Godwits close to the shore when the islands where they normally roost are flooded. On such a day we can all see the birds up quite close. The birds leave from mid March onwards.
