Pureora Forest is home to the rare North Island kōkako. Large numbers of these native birds used to live in the North Island, but deforestation has severely restricted their range. Small populations now exist in Pureora Forest, as well as the northern Urewera, Bay of Plenty and Northland. Listen to the rich and varied tune of the kōkako, which features on the reverse side of New Zealand's $50 banknote – its tone is as delicate and precise as that of the most skilled human singer.

Sound file from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (New Zealand birds/Reference number T7700).