This winter while the chocolate festival was on we visited Zealandia a truly remarkable wildlife sanctuary where at present you can see “Sirocco” New Zealand’s famous kakapo.If you are a birder or lover of nature this is a must do.
Posts Tagged ‘nature’
“Zealandia” The Karori Wildlife sanctuary experience
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011Feeding time on Opawa river Marlborough, New Zealand
Friday, July 29th, 2011
Restless feet (in the footsteps of Fredrick Weld, friend of Lord Tennyson).
Monday, November 15th, 2010We recently had cause to travel to the lovely area of the North Canterbury, South Island, NZ and decided as it was long weekend to explore. Travelling to Lake Tennyson via the Molesworth Road and returned to Marlborough via the Kaikoura coast we had a tantalising taste of the magnificent Clarence Reserve. Alpine flowers were just coming into bloom. Weather varied from thick fog to hot sunny weather. High country tours tailored to your interests and fitness are available with Driftwood eco tours.
Migrant waders on Opawa river Marlborough New Zealand
Monday, November 15th, 2010
Yesterday while out kayaking in a cool southerly noticed these Sandpipers but were unsure whether sharptailed or pectoral. Can anyone help us to identify? Thanks to Ian Southey these are knots which is unusual for this area, so anew 1st for me!
With the Sandpipers was this Golden plover looking absolutely stunning.
I just love these little guys who are always just 60 odd metres in front of you frolicking together but more likely working as a team to catch fish. They are quite cheeky and always have one on alert for the team.
These are my favourite river bird Royal Spoonbills. If you love bird photography this is a wonderful way to get close to your subject without compromising their space and is rewarding for all.
I was very surprised to see this Wrybill with the Golden Plover as I thought he would been down on the braided rivers of south Canterbury carry out breeding duties!
D’Urville Island Odyssey day 3 of a New Zealand tour
Thursday, October 28th, 2010
Wow! another day on this wilderness island which I found was full of more surprises. After leaving the Community hall I headed west on my journey to Greville harbour and DOC’S new playground and campsite. On my way stopped in the bush and heard a very unusual bird call which I recorded; it may have been Tui although it was hauntingly loud and at times quite distant. It was also nice to see wood pigeon, grey warbler , fantail and bellbird all in good numbers.
As the bush thinned out and the road became steeper I saw my 1st glimpse of Greville harbour and the swamp lands leading to the sand dunes and beach. I took off down hill; steep, fast and furious and realised my bike wasn’t up to it!!
Arrived a few minutes later and met the DOC camp manager and then off on another trip northwards to Otu. I really enjoyed this trek especially the flora of Rimu’s , Kahikatea, Nikau, jasmine and flaxes and there was a lovely scent in the air. The track was pretty rough in places as they had had alot of rain and it was very evident by slips and washouts. This adds to the adventure so I decided to walk. Near Otu is a wetland which then drains into the bay a place of sheer beauty and a haven for wildlife especially water fowl.
On my return had a look at Black Reef bay the site of a old hydro scheme for the original farm and this is where I took the photo of the outboard motor on the rocks amongst the driftwood.
Then it was onto the beach for a walk amongst the shells, driftwood, seaweed and bird prints.
This is a truly beautiful spot, quite isolated, but definitely unique and a lovely spiritual feeling.
I know I shall return and if any of you out there would like me to organise a trip please contact me at Driftwood Ecotours.
I would especially like to thank Danny and Lynn Boulton of French Pass Sea safaris for giving me there time and supporting me on this venture.
Merry Xmas to you all and I do hope you have a rewarding holiday break soon, cheers Will
Info:
Kopowai Bay to Patuki 58 Km
Kopowai Bay to Moawhitu DoC camp (Greville Harbour) 30 Km
Grade 3
