Case Study: How 35 Degrees South Solved Their Seagull Problem with a Simple, Effective Bird Control Solution

For years, the iconic 35 Degrees South Aquarium, Restaurant and Bar in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, battled a persistent seagull infestation. Dozens of gulls would roost on the restaurant roof, especially during nesting season, leaving an unsightly mess and creating a less-than-ideal experience for diners and staff alike.

Things escalated further when the owners expanded the venue, adding a spacious alfresco dining area called Alongside. The removal of a nearby parking lot to create a public park only made things worse. The seagulls treated the new park and deck as their personal buffet, scavenging food from guests and even swooping in while people were still eating.

With up to 80 seagulls present on busy days; 40 on the roof and another 40 in the park,  the situation was quickly spiraling out of control.

The new owners needed a humane, effective, and affordable bird control solution that would:

• Keep seagulls off the restaurant roof
• Prevent them from disturbing diners
• Maintain the cleanliness of the venue
• Improve the customer experience
• Avoid harming the birds or the environment

After researching bird deterrent options, the owners came across Maintrac Group and decided to trial one of the company’s kite-based seagull deterrents.

At first, they were skeptical. The solution appeared almost too simple - a kite that mimics the presence of a predator bird. But they gave it a go.

Their team member Johnny assembled the kite and took it to the lower roof. The moment the kite caught the wind, something remarkable happened:

“Every bird on the roof and in the park took off. They circled above, calling to each other, clearly unsettled. Within 10 minutes, they were gone.”

The kite was then mounted on a higher roof using a flagpole. The result? Complete evacuation of the area by the gulls - and they haven’t returned since.

The outcome has exceeded all expectations.

The restaurant now enjoys:

• A clean, gull-free roof
• A peaceful, uninterrupted dining experience for customers
• No more swooping or scavenging birds around diners or the park
• An affordable, humane solution that worked instantly

“We haven’t had a single seagull back on our roof since installing the kite deterrent. It’s simple, effective, and cost-efficient. We highly recommend it to anyone dealing with a similar seagull issue.”

Whether you run a waterfront restaurant, a café with an outdoor area, or a business plagued by seagull mess and nuisance, Maintrac Groups bird deterrent solutions offer a proven, effective fix.

Don’t let birds ruin your property or customer experience.
Contact Maintrac Group today for expert advice and a tailored bird control solution that works. Let’s keep your roof clean and your customers happy. Bird-free and stress-free.