A rare bird has popped up in Bannockburn, but it’s not the kind you might expect to find in the vineyards.

Seventeen oversized kiwi sculptures have appeared across cellar doors and hospitality venues in the village this week as part of the 2026 Kiwi Art Trail.

It is the first time the travelling public art exhibition has visited the South Island.

The sculptures feature work from artists from around the country, including Auckland muralist Hayley King, known as FLOX, and musician-turned-painter Otis Frizzell, the son of Dick Frizzell.

The exhibition is organised by conservation charity Save the Kiwi in partnership with Tourism Central Otago and Gallagher Insurance.

Information provided in a media release said the sculptures are designed to bring attention to kiwi conservation while creating a free public art experience for locals and visitors.

Tourism Central Otago head of destination Antz Longman said in the statement the organisation had been approached by Save the Kiwi to explore hosting the trail in the region.

“We believe this is a great way to support Save the Kiwi and showcase our wineries, hospitality venues and the arts at a time of year where the region really shines its autumn colours,” Antz said in the statement.

Visitors can view the sculptures free of charge at Terra Sancta Winery, Dicey Wines, Desert Heart Cellar Door and Vineyard Kitchen, Te Kano Cellar Door, Mt Difficulty Cellar Door and Restaurant, Bannockburn Hotel Wine Country Restaurant and Bar, Akarua Cellar Door and Carrick Winery.

Kiwi on the lawn at Dicey Winery. Image: Morgan Potter

The artworks will remain there until March 29 before moving on to Clyde and Alexandra for April.

According to the media release, a digital campaign encouraging people to explore the trail by bike, car or on foot launched this week.

Each sculpture will also be auctioned online, with proceeds going toward kiwi conservation projects supported by Save the Kiwi.

The organisation said more than $150,000 had been raised for conservation since the Kiwi Art Trail was first launched in Auckland in 2023.

Save the Kiwi supports community-run conservation projects across New Zealand, including programmes that hatch kiwi chicks, raise them in protected crèches and return them to the wild.

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