BLACK BIRCH TOUR
- Alpine Flora
8 Hour / One Day Tour to the Black Birch
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, NZ
Experience a day in the life of Rebecca Bowater - published and award-winning wildlife photographer. Join Rebecca and other alpine flora enthusiasts on this popular day tour to Black Birch Mountain in Marlborough's Awatere Valley.
Blenheim is the departure point for this journey, as you drive up to an alpine elevation of 440 metres above sea level, uncovering stunning views of the surrounding river valleys and mountain ranges of Marlborough. Black Birch, in Awatere Valley, is one of Marlborough's best sites to experience alpine flora. With flat plateaus and herb fields, you can simply wander through the natural environment - no hiking required – but, if you are feeling a little more adventurous you can venture onto a scree, searching for different varieties of plant life.
As you hunt for nature’s treasure, Rebecca will give you tips on macro photography and help identify the flora you discover, keeping a particular eye out for the rare and beautiful Notothlaspi rosulatum or Penwiper plant and the cheeky local kea (Alpine Parrot).
No experience is needed to enjoy this tour, just curiosity and a love of nature.
Tour Price:
NZ$200 per person
Tour Duration:
8 hours
Transport:
Ten seater 4X4 Toyota Hiace
What to bring:
Wind breaker, thermal layers, stout walking boots. Sun protection and a water bottle.
Ranunculus insignis, alpine buttercup - Photo Rebecca Bowater
Tour Inclusions
-
Spend the day with one of New Zealand's leading alpine authorities and natural history photographers.
-
See alpine flora without a long hike.
-
Visit one of Marlborough's best alpine flora sites.
-
Get help to identify alpine flora at the flowering season.
-
Enjoy the stunning views of Marlborough from 440 metres.
-
A list of the plants that you might see to mark off.
-
Binoculars, hiking sticks and reference books supplied.
-
Packed lunch, morning and afternoon tea supplied.
-
Hear the natural and human history commentary during the drive to Black Birch.
"Thank you for a great trip, loved every minute of it..."
Eunice Belk, Blenheim.
