Ok, so I am late to this thread, but I can attest to most of the NZ birds you have mentioned being as pretty in person as they are in pictures. One thing I enjoy about speaking to my parents on the phone is the various birds in the background (all wild). Tuis are fascinating to watch with their glossy plumage, but I really enjoy listening to the bellbirds.
And yes, I am originally from NZ and my parents live there.
And yes, I am originally from NZ and my parents live there.