Mrs Kjestrup said the late afternoon sun lights the house from the rear to the front and the bird must have mistaken a clear flight path where there was none.
Mr Kjestrup said he knew the New Zealand wood pigeon, or kereru, is a protected species and the couple called the Department of Conservation to report the death of the bird.
"We were told to put the body in the freezer and they'll come and get it after the holidays are over," Mrs Kjestrup said.
Mr Kjestrup said the couple had been living at the Terrace End home for about 15 years and trees growing on and near the property attracted numerous birds all year round.
He had in the past sighted wood pigeons in trees near his home, Mr Kjestrup said, and was hoping the dead bird had bred.
The population of the New Zealand wood pigeon is in decline, especially in the North Island.