Field Trip Details
Participants take part in field trips at their own risk. They should ensure that they wear appropriate clothing and footwear and take food and drink and any required medications. See here for the Health and Safety Plan
On Monday 1 June, a variety of exciting field trips will be available. These trips are weather-dependent and may be cancelled at short notice. Any refunds will be subject to any deposits made.
1. Wānaka Wetland Tour
We will depart the Wānaka I-site at 9:15am, arriving at Butterfields wetland at 9:30am for a short walk around the springs and along the Clutha River/Mata-Au to count waterfowl and search for kārearea/falcons. Next we will visit the Diamond Lake Conservation Area for a short walk and lunch, listening for ngirungiru/tomtits while admiring glacier-carved valleys with stands of native forest nestling into bluff systems. We will return to Wānaka by 2:30pm, potentially via Emerald Bluff wetlands en route.
Cost: $45 per person (limited to 35 participants)
2. Blue Pools Forest Walk
We will depart the Wānaka I-site at 8:15am for the Blue Pools walk, an easy 3km return track through silver beech/tahina to a swing-bridge overlooking the pristine pools at the mouth of Blue River. Kākāriki/yellow-crowned parakeets and mohua/yellowhead can be found in the forest, as well as tītipounamu/rifleman. Lunch will be at Cameron Flat campsite before an afternoon walk to either Cameron lookout or Haast Pass lookout. We will arrive back at Wānaka by 4:00pm.
Cost: $50 per person (limited to 35 participants)
3. Rob Roy Glacier Hike
We will depart the Wānaka I-site at 7:45am for Raspberry Flat, the starting point for the 10km return hike. This will provide the chance to see kea, kākā, kakaruai/robins and if lucky mohua/yellowhead in addition to some spectacular scenery. Lunch will be at the lower lookout, which will likely be our final stop due to avalanche conditions. This trip is recommended for members with a high level of fitness. We will arrive back at Wānaka by 16:30.
Cost: $60 per person (limited to 26 participants)
4. Mou Waho Island Visit
We will meet at the Wānaka Marina at 9:45am, and take a water taxi to Mou Waho keeping an eye out for pūteketeke/crested grebes en route. Enjoy two hours to explore the scenic island at your leisure in search of the translocated buff weka, ngirungiru/tomtits and kārearea/falcons. We will return to Wānaka Marina by 1:30pm.
Cost: $95 per person (limited to 12 participants)
5. Tiel Valley Discovery Flight
Transport to Makarora to arrive at the Backcountry Helicopter base for 8:50am check-in. Short heli ride into the Tiel Valley followed by a 2.5h return interpretive walk (easy/intermediate) within this pristine valley home to breeding whio and many other birds. Lunch follows at the local Cafe (optional). Proceeds go back into ABT Threatened Species protection and restoration in Makarora & Wilkin Valley
Cost: $450 per person (Birds NZ price, limited to 5 participants)