Otago's Rees Valley has officially become the site of New Zealand's largest wild takahē population outside their original Fiordland habitat, in what conservationists describe as a pivotal moment for the endangered species.

Years of predator control and trapping in the valley near Glenorchy has made it home to the largest wild population outside their original Fiordland habitat.

Years of predator control and trapping in the valley near Glenorchy has made it home to the largest wild population outside their original Fiordland habitat.