Kea caught cavorting on a chopper

A young kea puts on an impressive display after landing on the back of an Otago-Southland Rescue Helicopter near the Mintaro Hutt on the Milford Track.

The photographer, Andy Craig, said there was a group of four juvenile birds flying around the helicopter while they were picking up a patient to transport them to hospital on Thursday last week.

"All four of them landed on the helicopter and then I kept trying to get them off the helicopter because they nibble away at things ... I walked down the back and while trying to shoo them off the helicopter, I took that photo."

Having keas land on their helicopter was not uncommon.

"It's quite positive to see four of them all in one spot."

Mr Craig said keas were "very inquisitive, very nosy, and very nice to see", but they did like to peck away at the shiny equipment, so it was best they did not hitch a ride on the helicopter.