The Kōtare (Sacred Kingfisher, Todiramphus sanctus) is classified as abundant native, and I have certainly seen them all my life, but you do need to be in the right place to see one.

They mostly hang around near water, and often on a high perch. This one was captured sitting on a low rock in the tidal mudflats at Motukaraka Point, on the Pāuatahanui inlet of Porirua Harbour.

They are very wary birds, so I do not have many great photos of them. I was surprised how close this one let me approach (yes I was walking on mud!) but I still needed a heavy crop on the frame.