Adventure Puketi recently played host to botanic legend David Bellamy, Visiting New Zealand for Conservation Week, Mr Bellamy was enthralled by the kauri trees of Puketi Forest. Owner and chief guide of Adventure Puketi Ian Candy says Mr Bellamy
marvelled at how the kauri giants had survived the climatic tests of time. “He really took time to learn more about this environment, its flora and fauna,” he says.David Bellamy, OBE, is a botanist, author, broadcaster and environmental campaigner. He was instrumental in saving Pureora Forest and is an acclaimed protector of forest habitat around the world.
The Bay Chronicle - click for original Article
We had hoped to do a night rainforest tour with adventure Puketi, Given by Ian Candy - "the Bay of Islands' answer to Rotorua's famous Guide Rangi" - to see the nocturnal wildlife and enjoy a spot of night-sky stargazing, but alas, the weather conspired against us. So we enjoyed the native bird song in our B&B's lush sub-tropical "mini-Puketi" garden instead.
Ali Bell, New Zealand Womens Weekly
Late in the afternoon, we met up with our guide from Adventure Puketi. The company is owned and operated by Ian and Barbara Candy. Ian grew up next door to the forest and is now a dedicated conservationist who runs guided forest walks through the subtropical rainforest. He takes people out for a half day or full day. But it is the night forest walks that are the most popular.
As day began to turn to night, we followed him into the forest. Long shadows were disappearing into the twilight and night's clammy chill descended. With the growing darkness, the noises of the forest begain to change. Insects were attracted to our headlamps and bats begin to feed on the insects. This was one experience I had not expected.
In the distance the high pitched call of a kiwi echoed through the darkness and was followed by the inquisitive response of a native owl, the morepork. as we continued our quiet progress the nocturnal sound of the kiwi came closer. Ian signalled us to halt. We stopped, stood still on the track and waited. At the edge of our vision a kiwi appeared on the track. Someone in the party turned on their torch for a better look and several of us took the opportunity for a photo. And then, before you could say Apteryx Australis, that wingless bird with the massive drumsticks and huge clawed toes turned and beat a measured retreat into the darkness.
That remakable encounter, like the nightwalk and our several days in the forest, was too brief but remain totally unforgettable.
Louis Passe, NZ Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations
Located 30 minutes from Paihia and 20 minutes from Kerikeri lies the Puketi Kauri Forest. Adventure Puketi offer a range of fully guided forest walks throughout this forest and Barbara and Ian Candy and their team of tour guides take pleasure in showing visitors thorugh the tranquil beauty of the ancient Puketi Forest. Their tour guides share with you stories, history amd culture while you enjoy the native flora and fauna.
There are full-day, half-day and nature trail's that let you experience the native forest including remnants of the greatest Kauri tree ever felled and a Kauri tree sanctuary that has been protected since 1951. Their night forest walks give visitors a chance to listen to bird song on twilight, watch bats fly overhead feeding on insects or, if you are lucky enough, spot a kiwi in it's natural habitat.
Accommodation is also provided at eco-friendly Puketi Heights Bed and Breakfast, set in subtropical gardens, adjoining the forest.
Sarah Weeks - Travel Digest - September 2008
