Wherever you are on the island, both day and night, there is no doubt that you are in the domain of the birds. Even as I sit in the lounge writing this, the resident Harrier Hawk glides outside the window, scanning for prey. Pukekos squawk from the across the fence,...
Only a few days into our stay on the island, and I found myself alone for three nights as Sam and the other students in the Blue House return to the mainland for the weekend. It became an opportunity to explore more of the islands and get to know some of the key...
Excited for my adventure I boarded the early flight from Wellington to Nelson where I then caught a shuttle to St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes. This is where I will be spending the next month helping out with conservation work as part of the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project...
An early start, quick stopover in Auckland and a short ferry ride later, Sophie and myself found ourselves on the wharf at Rangitoto Island. Surrounded by a decent pile of pest-free luggage, and what we hoped was enough food, we were met by Hazel Speed, the DOC...
Before travelling to Rangitoto, Sam and I were briefed by DOC staff about the history and context of the island. Specifically, we were given some insight into the relationship of local Iwi and role of biosecurity. Rangitoto and Motutapu are islands that attract a huge...
Another week down, and many more adventures had! This past week has consisted of more trap checking, some wasp monitoring and GIS mapping of bit and bobs for the bio team. Have managed to cover a fair bit of ground in the Nelson Lakes National Park and the Big Bush...
