Conservation in Action!

Our adventure begins as we make our way from your accommodation to Lake Rotoiti where the water taxi awaits to take us to Coldwater Hut at the head of the lake (a 15 minute boat ride). From Coldwater Hut we head South a short way up the Travers Valley before turning off the track to access our first stream crossing (~knee deep) and reaching the larger Lakehead Hut. It is from there our journey heads North back to Kerr Bay where we enter the southern perimeter of the renowned Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project, which is run by the Department of Conservation.

As we make our way back to Kerr Bay, we will talk about the evolution of New Zealand, the arrival of the early settlers and about how New Zealand’s native wildlife has dealt with these new arrivals... Although some have managed to deal with the changes brought about by colonization others are struggling or are now sadly extinct. On our journey through the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project area we will tell, or maybe even show you some of the issues New Zealand flora and fauna is facing. The good news is that due to conservation efforts throughout the country there have been some exciting breakthroughs and stories of what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication!  The Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project is a large conservation programme (5000ha), with such projects being undertaken within it. Walking along the track you will see different types of predator traps and monitoring plots, the purpose and benefits of these tools and projects in the big scheme of things is explained.

This walk is dedicated to "Conservation in Action" and Green Arena should know, because this where Tammy (owner & head guide) worked from 2003 -mid 2009 walking up and down the mountains checking stoat traps and managing a wide range of conservation projects!

This is an exciting and dynamic project.  You will find yourself gaining new insights into how you can contribute to the protection of native species in New Zealand and elsewhere in the world.