Darwin visited the Bay of Islands,travelling by foot up two of the main rivers taking notes of Flora and Fauna and the people who lived here .

Fitzroy later became the Governor of NZ from 1843-1846. Bill and Beate enjoyed the forest walk, especially the flora and fauna, the size of the Kauri trees and the conservation work being done in the forest.

Tom & Margaret walked the Waipapa River track, this track follows the river through the middle of the Puketi Forest. It is a two day walk, with a camping area four hours walk down the river.

The second day of the walk is eight hours, mostly walking in the water. The water is very warm this time of the year, it is best walked in the summer.

Puketi forest has a very high rainfall in the winter which makes the walk hazardous.Flora and Fauna is at its best in the summer, making the walk picturesque.

We had the pleasure of a visit to the Puketi Forest of famous conservationist Sir David Bellamy. David wanted to come and see the forest, he was instrumental in the conservation effort to save the Pureroa Forest, 25 years ago, which he had dubbed the “Dinosaur Forest.”

We took David on the board walk through the Kauri Forest, talking about the age of the Kauri trees and how the have survived through the many changes in history.

He was really interested in the smaller, rarer type plants in the forest and we talked about insects including our local Cave Wetas.

Here is a picture of David and his wife with Barbara and I on the board walk.

The Track clearing and placing of traps throught out the forest has been a monumental task. Predator numbers are well done and is on going. The success is seen in the rise in the number of bird life.  Awesome.

During the winter months the New Zealand Robin (Petroica Australis) were captured from the central North Island (Rangitoto), Thirty birds were released and are being monitored, which are already pairing up for the up coming spring.

He is writing an article on our night walk. We also had an Australian and three from NZ.

The Morepork or Ruru announced itself with a hunting call, people mistake this call for the Kiwi, it was answered by another with a normal call.

We saw one fly in the light of the spotlight. The Kauri trees look enormous at night towering like skyscrapers disappearing in the dark.

The Kauri tree had its usual cave weta and giant spider living in the cracks of the trunk.

As we walked back the Kauri snail were out feeding on slugs and worms. When we emerged from the forest the moon is in its full glory, we turned off our headlamps and walked back in the moon light.

An awesome night for all.

Leave us a comment, if you have been on one of our walks.

We look forward to catching up with you.

Ian and Barbara