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 Scout & Koha, 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. The falcon 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. This is done 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.
Meet Our Adopted Falcons
Scout
Female, hatched November 2015
Scout began life as an abandoned egg. She and her sister were hand-raised by the Trust’s former aviary manager, Diana Dobson, who also named her for her sharp eye. Scout stayed on at the Trust as one of its trained advocacy birds, and in early 2024 she even appeared in a film, Kōkā by AKU Films. She’s curious and confident, often hopping over to check out new visitors, and in summer she has been known to take a bath in front of an audience. Scout shows the playful side of a usually fierce and elusive predator.
Koha
Female, hatched November 2024
Koha was rescued as an egg after her parents killed her newly hatched sibling, and she was raised by the Trust’s manager, Holly. Her name means “gift” in te reo Māori. She was a welcome surprise, because her egg had twice tested as infertile. Loud, bold and curious, Koha is training to become one of the Trust’s newest advocacy falcons, with the hope that she’ll one day fly in demonstrations for visitors.
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 the main wine tour operators in Marlborough. 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!
Every year, $2 from every Hop ‘n Grape Tours booking goes directly to the Kārearea Falcon Trust. Your tour helps cover food, veterinary care, breeding programmes and enclosure upkeep for New Zealand’s only native falcon.
With your help, we’re aiming to reach a Platinum Adoption with the Trust this year. We also want to share the amazing work the Kārearea Falcon Trust does, so more people know about it.
Together, we can help make sure the kārearea keeps soaring over Aotearoa for generations to come.
If you would like to donate more please click HERE