When you book a tour, you help a Falcon soar!
Supporting the Kārearea Falcon Trust
At Hop ’n Grape Tours, we’re proud supporters of the Kārearea Falcon Trust, helping to protect and restore one of Aotearoa’s most iconic native birds. Through our Gold Level adoption of Jet & Stella, resident falcons in the Trust’s breeding programme, we contribute to the ongoing care and conservation of these incredible birds.
The Kārearea – A National Treasure at Risk
Once abundant across New Zealand, the kārearea (New Zealand falcon) has become increasingly rare. Today, it’s estimated that only 5,000–8,000 kārearea remain, and the species is listed by the Department of Conservation as “At Risk.”
The Kārearea Falcon Trust was established in 2008 to protect and rebuild the falcon population here in Aotearoa. Their small but dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the kārearea can thrive again – through rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, and education.
They care for injured wild falcons brought in from across NZ, nursing them back to health with the hope of releasing them to the wild. Those who cannot survive independently become long-term residents and vital members of the Trust’s breeding programme – giving life to new generations that can soar free.
Jet & Stella’s Story
Jet & Stella are part of the Kārearea Falcon Trust’s conservation breeding programme, helping to protect and grow New Zealand’s native falcon population.
Stella was found injured in South Canterbury in 2021 and taken to the New Zealand Raptor Trust in Timaru, where she received specialist care for head trauma and a wing injury. Although she made a strong recovery, she was unable to return to the wild. In February 2024, Stella was transferred to the Kārearea Falcon Trust, travelling with the support of Air New Zealand and DOC, to contribute to the breed-for-release programme.
Jet hatched on Christmas Day 2020 at Wingspan in Rotorua and later joined the breeding programme himself. During the 2023/24 season, he and his former mate Dash successfully fostered and raised an abandoned chick, which was released into the wild in early 2024.
In 2025, Stella and Jet formed a new partnership and continue to strengthen their bond. With fingers and feathers crossed, we hope their future together will help raise the next generation of kārearea.
Why We Support the Trust
At Hop ’n Grape Tours, we believe in sustainability – for people, planet, and the beautiful wildlife that makes Marlborough so unique. Supporting the Kārearea Falcon Trust aligns perfectly with our values and our industry. As wine tour operators, we see firsthand how vineyards and native ecosystems coexist, and how protecting our natural heritage benefits everyone.
$2 from your booking goes to the Kārearea Falcon Trust!
Each year, $2 from every Hop ’n Grape Tours booking goes directly to the Kārearea Falcon Trust. This contribution helps cover the costs of food, veterinary care, breeding programmes, and enclosure maintenance.
With your help our goal this year is to adopt two falcons, and help raise awareness of the amazing work that the Kārearea Falcon Trust offer, extending our impact and helping ensure the kārearea continues to soar over Aotearoa for generations to come.
If you would like to donate more please click HERE