Trip Reports and Branch Program
Trip Report Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Tavora Penguin Reserve
Trip Report Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Tavora Penguin Reserve August 16 and 17 2008
Coastal view from Bobby’s Head, Tavora Reserve.
This was planned as a joint trip involving both Dunedin and Upper Clutha Branches. Unfortunately the weather was terrible and a rather small crowd turned up for a talk and tour of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, and the Sunday trip to the Tavora Reserve at Bobby’s Head (near Goodwood) was cancelled altogether.
For those who did venture out it was a most interesting visit to the Ecosanctuary with Ralph Allen as our guide. We started at the double gate at the top where we were asked to check our packs and clothes for unwelcome passengers like mice. The double gate in the predator proof fence is like an ‘air-lock’ for similar biosecurity reasons.
10 stalwarts enjoying a winter visit to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
During the morning we were shown various parts of the sanctuary, including an aviary where we saw 6 kaka through the close-weave wire mesh cage.
A kaka showing off its bright red under plumage.
We also learned about management of the sanctuary and the great work done by volunteers who regularly patrol the 10 km long boundary fence to check for problems.
Because the weather was so miserable we retreated to the valley floor for lunch and had a short walk to see the Tall Trees before dispersing about mid-afternoon
Again because of the weather, the trip to the Tavora Penguin Reserve on Sunday was cancelled, or postponed for those who wish to go there on another occasion.
Leaders: Janet Ledingham (Dunedin) John Turnbull and Mike Floate (Upper Clutha).
Photos by Mike Floate:-
The group listening to Ralph Allen in the shelter of native coastal bush
Janet Ledingham getting up close to a kaka in its protective cage before release into bush.
Tidal stream and re-vegetation at Tavora Penguin Reserve.
Forest and Bird members read the signage at Tavora.
Restoration planting of Pingao on the beach at Tavora.
Coastal view from Bobby’s Head, Tavora Reserve.This was planned as a joint trip involving both Dunedin and Upper Clutha Branches. Unfortunately the weather was terrible and a rather small crowd turned up for a talk and tour of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, and the Sunday trip to the Tavora Reserve at Bobby’s Head (near Goodwood) was cancelled altogether.
For those who did venture out it was a most interesting visit to the Ecosanctuary with Ralph Allen as our guide. We started at the double gate at the top where we were asked to check our packs and clothes for unwelcome passengers like mice. The double gate in the predator proof fence is like an ‘air-lock’ for similar biosecurity reasons.
10 stalwarts enjoying a winter visit to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
During the morning we were shown various parts of the sanctuary, including an aviary where we saw 6 kaka through the close-weave wire mesh cage.
A kaka showing off its bright red under plumage.
We also learned about management of the sanctuary and the great work done by volunteers who regularly patrol the 10 km long boundary fence to check for problems.
Because the weather was so miserable we retreated to the valley floor for lunch and had a short walk to see the Tall Trees before dispersing about mid-afternoon
Again because of the weather, the trip to the Tavora Penguin Reserve on Sunday was cancelled, or postponed for those who wish to go there on another occasion.
Leaders: Janet Ledingham (Dunedin) John Turnbull and Mike Floate (Upper Clutha).
Photos by Mike Floate:-
The group listening to Ralph Allen in the shelter of native coastal bush
Janet Ledingham getting up close to a kaka in its protective cage before release into bush.
Tidal stream and re-vegetation at Tavora Penguin Reserve.
Forest and Bird members read the signage at Tavora.
Restoration planting of Pingao on the beach at Tavora.
Walking the wild side of Matuktuki
Finding one of the world’s largest tree daisies was a special treat for the Upper Clutha Forest & Bird Society’s first field trip of the season, last Saturday.
Thirteen people from the ages of 13 to 70+ walked for two hours along the river bank above the West Matukituki Bridge. Splendid scenery and vistas of the snow covered Buchanan Peaks were some of the rewards, along with views of black fronted tern as they winged their way up river.
The group also got views of a large and precarious colony of black shags, perched and nesting in trees on the cliff-top of the Matakitaki Bluff Conservation Area. Their strange calls echoed across the swamp. The protection of this lovely wetland and cliff-forest habitat has been a most welcome outcome of the tenure review process here. The introduced willows, however, remain a menace to the Conservation area and the wildlife of the adjacent Matukituki River.
After another hour’s walk up river, the group stopped for lunch on the banks of the river just in time to watch contestants in the Mountain to Mountain endurance race paddle past in their kayaks.
Then came the highlight of the trip, a recently discovered giant specimen of Hector’s tree daisy (Olearia hectorii). One of the few deciduous native trees in New Zealand, Hector’s tree daisy is high up on the endangered tree species list and is now confined to just a few locations in the South Island.
This huge tree is the only one growing at this location and was measured by the Forest & Bird Group, giving a circumference of 4.9m at knee height. We believe that this individual tree may be the biggest known of its species, and possibly one of the biggest tree daisies in the world. Although it is in fine health there is no regeneration underneath.
The lack of seedlings and regrowth is a widespread problem with the Hector’s tree daisy. Stock and hare grazing is part of the problem but it also seems the seeds have very particular requirements for germination. DOC is currently researching this problem at sites in the Matukituki Valley, in an attempt to aid recovery of the tree daisy.
The Matukituki riverbank walk is one of the most delightful of all local walks but extra care should be taken during calving and lambing season in October and November.
Forest and Bird have monthly field trips throughout Otago and all are welcome. Please visit www.uppercluthaforestandbird.org.nz
Thirteen people from the ages of 13 to 70+ walked for two hours along the river bank above the West Matukituki Bridge. Splendid scenery and vistas of the snow covered Buchanan Peaks were some of the rewards, along with views of black fronted tern as they winged their way up river.
The group also got views of a large and precarious colony of black shags, perched and nesting in trees on the cliff-top of the Matakitaki Bluff Conservation Area. Their strange calls echoed across the swamp. The protection of this lovely wetland and cliff-forest habitat has been a most welcome outcome of the tenure review process here. The introduced willows, however, remain a menace to the Conservation area and the wildlife of the adjacent Matukituki River.
After another hour’s walk up river, the group stopped for lunch on the banks of the river just in time to watch contestants in the Mountain to Mountain endurance race paddle past in their kayaks.
Then came the highlight of the trip, a recently discovered giant specimen of Hector’s tree daisy (Olearia hectorii). One of the few deciduous native trees in New Zealand, Hector’s tree daisy is high up on the endangered tree species list and is now confined to just a few locations in the South Island.
This huge tree is the only one growing at this location and was measured by the Forest & Bird Group, giving a circumference of 4.9m at knee height. We believe that this individual tree may be the biggest known of its species, and possibly one of the biggest tree daisies in the world. Although it is in fine health there is no regeneration underneath.
The lack of seedlings and regrowth is a widespread problem with the Hector’s tree daisy. Stock and hare grazing is part of the problem but it also seems the seeds have very particular requirements for germination. DOC is currently researching this problem at sites in the Matukituki Valley, in an attempt to aid recovery of the tree daisy.
The Matukituki riverbank walk is one of the most delightful of all local walks but extra care should be taken during calving and lambing season in October and November.
Forest and Bird have monthly field trips throughout Otago and all are welcome. Please visit www.uppercluthaforestandbird.org.nz
WORKDAY PROGRAMME LINDIS PASS SCENIC RESERVE
Summer 2008-2009
October 12[new date change]
AGM over lunch
Inspect Telstra Clear cable line
Survey road corridor weeds (lupins, etc); Remove ragwort
Rubbish collection
Brier control
November 1
Coincides with F&B trip to the Lindis Pass (co-ordinator: Anne). There will be a talk in the morning, proposed topic is weed management in tall tussock grasslands with visiting speaker(s);
Brier control in the afternoon or participate in a walk
29 November
Brier control; Native shrub survey; (Rubbish)
20 December
Alpine ridge walk to look at alpines in flower
January/February
Snow tussock seed collection when ready – dates to be advised
Skink habitat survey with Stu Thorne/James Reardon (date to suit Stu but try for 24th January); possibly an overnighter
February 21
Brier control;
Rubbish collection; other weed control, eg, lupins
This trip could be an overnighter if people wish and weather good (Sat night)
March 9
Shrublands survey and berry collection (inspect gully vegetation)
Brier Control
Saturday 8th
March is a Forest and Bird trip to the Clay Cliffs near Omarama so this trip is proposed as an overnighter, staying at or near the Pass
April 18
Berry collection; Brier Control
Executive Committee meeting
(rubbish)
Can down load pdf
lindus%20program.pdf
Summer 2008-2009
October 12[new date change]
AGM over lunch
Inspect Telstra Clear cable line
Survey road corridor weeds (lupins, etc); Remove ragwort
Rubbish collection
Brier control
November 1
Coincides with F&B trip to the Lindis Pass (co-ordinator: Anne). There will be a talk in the morning, proposed topic is weed management in tall tussock grasslands with visiting speaker(s);
Brier control in the afternoon or participate in a walk
29 November
Brier control; Native shrub survey; (Rubbish)
20 December
Alpine ridge walk to look at alpines in flower
January/February
Snow tussock seed collection when ready – dates to be advised
Skink habitat survey with Stu Thorne/James Reardon (date to suit Stu but try for 24th January); possibly an overnighter
February 21
Brier control;
Rubbish collection; other weed control, eg, lupins
This trip could be an overnighter if people wish and weather good (Sat night)
March 9
Shrublands survey and berry collection (inspect gully vegetation)
Brier Control
Saturday 8th
March is a Forest and Bird trip to the Clay Cliffs near Omarama so this trip is proposed as an overnighter, staying at or near the Pass
April 18
Berry collection; Brier Control
Executive Committee meeting
(rubbish)
Can down load pdf
lindus%20program.pdf
BRANCH PROGRAMMES 2008-2009
DUNEDIN, SOUTH OTAGO
AND UPPER CLUTHA BRANCH PROGRAM
Programmes%20June%2008_FINAL.pdf
Check Latest news page for alterations to dates
AND UPPER CLUTHA BRANCH PROGRAM
Programmes%20June%2008_FINAL.pdf
Check Latest news page for alterations to dates
Trip list for 2008 amd 2009
UPPER CLUTHA BRANCH - PROGRAMME FOR 2008 - 2009
August 16-17 Orokonui Ecosanctury (with Dunedin Branch) Saturday.
Visit Wetland on Sunday. Easy to medium
Contact person: Dr Michael Floate Ph 03 445 2829
Or, John Turnbull Ph 03 443 8253
September 13 A walk up from the West Matukituki River bridge to visit
Wetlands, and then turn left and up the Motatapu River
to the road bridge. Medium
Contact person: Andrew Penniket Ph 03 443 1211
October 4 Postponed till further notice Ecology of Central Otago; lecture by Grant Norbury in Alexandra
Followed by a visit to the proposed new Ecosanctury site in
Conroys Gully. Easy.
Contact person: Dr Michael Floate Ph 03 445 2829
November 1 Lindis Pass. Weeds of the high country. Medium
Contact person: Anne Steven Ph 03 443 6766
December 6 -7 Week End at Makarora: Nesting birds on the river bed. Evening
Talk. Sunday bridle track for Mohua. Easy, Medium.
Contact person: Mark Ayre Ph 03 443 1369
January 31 Week End South Coast, Orepuki, Lake Hauroko and Longwood
February 1 Range (with Dunedin and Southland Branches). Easy to
Medium.
Contact person: John Turnbull Ph 03 443 8253
March 7 Omarama, Clay Cliffs, Tarn Brae (ex tenure review). Botany with
DoC. Easy.
Contact person: Errol Carr Ph 03 443 8669
April 4 AGM at Frankton. Followed by a trip to Lake Alta. Easy.
Contact Person: John Turnbull Ph 03 443 8253
August 16-17 Orokonui Ecosanctury (with Dunedin Branch) Saturday.
Visit Wetland on Sunday. Easy to medium
Contact person: Dr Michael Floate Ph 03 445 2829
Or, John Turnbull Ph 03 443 8253
September 13 A walk up from the West Matukituki River bridge to visit
Wetlands, and then turn left and up the Motatapu River
to the road bridge. Medium
Contact person: Andrew Penniket Ph 03 443 1211
October 4 Postponed till further notice Ecology of Central Otago; lecture by Grant Norbury in Alexandra
Followed by a visit to the proposed new Ecosanctury site in
Conroys Gully. Easy.
Contact person: Dr Michael Floate Ph 03 445 2829
November 1 Lindis Pass. Weeds of the high country. Medium
Contact person: Anne Steven Ph 03 443 6766
December 6 -7 Week End at Makarora: Nesting birds on the river bed. Evening
Talk. Sunday bridle track for Mohua. Easy, Medium.
Contact person: Mark Ayre Ph 03 443 1369
January 31 Week End South Coast, Orepuki, Lake Hauroko and Longwood
February 1 Range (with Dunedin and Southland Branches). Easy to
Medium.
Contact person: John Turnbull Ph 03 443 8253
March 7 Omarama, Clay Cliffs, Tarn Brae (ex tenure review). Botany with
DoC. Easy.
Contact person: Errol Carr Ph 03 443 8669
April 4 AGM at Frankton. Followed by a trip to Lake Alta. Easy.
Contact Person: John Turnbull Ph 03 443 8253
Naseby-Hawkdun Combined Field Trip
Week End 27th - 28th January 2007
This was a trip to familiarise ourselves with the country out of which the Oteake Conservation Park will hopefully come into being; one of the Six Pack of Parks the Government wishes to create. In order to make an early start the next morning Dunedin branch members joined with our Upper Clutha members at the Naseby Holiday Park on Friday night.
Saturday morning was fine when 32 members left Naseby in seven vehicles. However as there was still some cloud on the tops our first stop was made at the bottom of the Hawkdun Range to introduce ourselves and to discuss tenure review and the results it was producing for conservation. It was pointed out that a large part of the western escarpment of the Hawkdun Range, and plateau above which we were going to visit, had already been returned to the Crown for protection as the result of tenure review.When it became clear that the westerly wind was increasing enough to push back the cloud which was coming in from the east, a start was made up to the crest of the range using an access track that was becoming available out of the review of Braeside. A stop was made when the crest was reached to take in the vastness of the upland tussock landscape with its deep valleys, scree slopes and wetlands; the view was all embracing.
An opportunity was also taken to explore the scree and tussock slopes for what they contained. We then made our way north along the range to reach the northern most point of land that the Department of Conservation is already administering where a final stop was made for lunch and a wander around. On the way back Alan Mark stopped to show us the Ranunculus hastii with its interesting root system which makes it possible to survive on the harsh scree slopes of this mountain system.
An enjoyable BBQ with much conversation was held in the evening to wind up the day.
Sunday morning saw us heading south and up the Mt Buster road to visit the historic gold workings on the watershed between the Kyeburn and Otematata river systems. Here Graeme Loh described the geology that caused the gold to be found in the white quartz gravel in such an unusual place; an extremely interesting site.
We then headed west below Mt Buster itself, and walked up to the top of the southern escarpment of the range to view the Taieri river winding across the Manitoto plains and the Kakanui Range its eastern boundary. Also from this point we were able to have another view north of the whole upland tussock area. While having lunch just below this point we observed, South Island edelweiss, the pen wiper plant and the interesting vegetable sheep all of which are becoming rarities on the tops of the Central Otago mountains.
After travelling a little further north on a long tussock covered spur in the Otematata watershed we called a halt. Regrettably after having seen only a portion of the whole area time was running out, so we turned around and headed back to Naseby just beating the rain by a margin. The weather gods were kind to us and allowed us an enjoyable and instructive week end.
It is a reflection on the wisdom of an earlier Lands Department in recognising the limitations of these uplands in not leasing the land, but only granting short term licences to graze. The recommendation made by LINZ to cease granting licences to graze the 8400 ha Mt Ida Syndicate block and hand over the administration of it to the Department of Conservation is to be applauded. Hopefully if the proposed Oteake Conservation Park becomes a reality, which Forest and Bird believes it should, it will provide the nation with an outstanding conservation park consisting of remote upland tussock country for all of us to wander through and enjoy at will - a park for the people.
John L Turnbull