Attract Tūī to Your New Zealand Garden
Tūī are bold, curious and incredibly vocal, often announcing their arrival before you even see them.
Tūī are one of the most exciting birds to have visiting your garden. They are bold, curious and incredibly vocal, often announcing their arrival before you even see them.
Many people would love to see more Tūī around their homes but assume it requires a large garden full of native trees. In reality, a few simple changes can make your space far more attractive to them.
If you provide the right food, water and a safe environment, Tūī will often become regular visitors.
A Tūī on the famous Kohab Nectar Feeder
Provide Nectar for Energy
Tūī feed mainly on nectar from flowering plants. Nectar is a high energy food that fuels their active lifestyle.
When natural nectar is scarce, especially during colder months or between flowering seasons, supplementary nectar can help.
The Kohab Bird Nectar was created specifically for New Zealand garden birds like Tūī, Bellbirds and Silvereyes. It includes beetroot which gives the nectar a vibrant red colour that birds are naturally drawn to and provides extra natural nutrients.
Simply mix with water, add it to a feeder and place it somewhere visible in your garden.
Many people are surprised how quickly Tūī discover it.
Use a Feeder Designed for Larger Birds
Most nectar feeders available in New Zealand were originally designed for overseas hummingbirds, which are much smaller than Tūī.
A feeder designed for larger birds allows them to feed more comfortably.
The Kohab Bird Feeder was developed with this in mind. It provides space for large Tūī to perch and drink safely without struggling to access the nectar.
Placing the feeder where birds feel safe and can easily see it will increase the chances of visits.
Tūī enjoying a bird bath.
Provide Fresh Water
Birds need water every day for drinking and bathing.
A shallow bird bath, dish or small water bowl works well. Place it somewhere slightly elevated or near shrubs so birds have a quick escape route if needed.
Keep the water clean and refresh it regularly.
You may even spot enjoying a bath, which can be quite entertaining to watch.
5 tips on setting up a birdbath.
Create a Safe Garden Space
Birds are far more likely to visit a garden where they feel safe.
Shrubs, small trees or hedges provide resting places and cover from predators.
If you have a cat, adding a bell to their collar can help protect visiting birds.
How to stop cats killing birdlife.
Keeping feeders clean and refreshing nectar regularly will also help keep birds healthy and encourage them to return.
How to clean your bird feeder.
Plant Nectar-Rich Flowers
Planting nectar producing flowers is one of the best long term ways to support tūī.
Some of the most popular plants for attracting them include
• Harakeke (Flax)
• Kōwhai
• Bottlebrush
• Banksia
• Grevillea
• Feijoa flowers
Flax is especially reliable. When it is flowering you will often see Tūī visiting repeatedly throughout the day.
Even adding one or two nectar producing plants to your garden can make a difference over time.
Supporting Garden Birds in New Zealand
Providing a little extra support for native birds can make a real difference, especially during colder months or when natural food sources are limited. Simple actions like providing nectar, fresh water and safe feeding spaces help birds thrive in urban gardens.
If you would like to support the birds visiting your garden you can explore the Kohab range of bird feeders and nectar here.
