Where to see kea?

Haven't done much tramping down south yet but did do Lake Angelus in Nelson lakes about 2 1/2 years ago, saw some Kea along Robert Ridge on the way in. Might be better places to see them though, especially as Angelus Hut is closed for a few months. Could always camp I suspose but I hear kea can be pretty destructive when it comes to things like tents and packs.

There were lots at Arthur's Pass when we were there, especially on the more popular tracks like Avalanche Peak, where one opened an unattended pack, took out map and compass and flew away with them. There were many in the village too - one hopped up the back steps and into the kitchen of a cafe we were in, so you don't even need to tramp to get up close to them.

well my aim is more to see them in the wild than in carparks around Arthur's Pass or milford, and skifields. but thx anyways

A pair of Kea shared our lunchsite (but not our lunch) at Tarn Col on the Edwards / Hawdon circuit in APNP in November

Ive encountered Kea on every alpine trip Ive done in Fiordland and Mt Aspiring. Go above the bushline for a day or 2 and you are bound to at least hear them if not see them. Most Ive seen at one spot is 13 at French Ridge back in April 2008. I talked to a Canadian guy earlier this year who did French Ridge round about this time last year and he saw about a dozen as well, so give French Ridge a go. Noisy buggers kept me awake for 2 nights clambering up and down the tin roof, chewing on the deck and generally making a racket!