Field Trips - Friday, 02 December 2022

Field trips will only be run if they meet the sufficient minimum attendance. This will be determined right after the close of the early bird deadline on 16 October. As much advance notice will be provided as possible.  

These field trips run concurrently. All trips will depart and return to the University of Otago with an option to be dropped off at the airport (see individual trip details). All pricing is listed inclusive of 15% GST.

*The organising committee reserves the right to cancel a trip offering a full refund (on the field trip fee only) or ability to change to another available trip.

Kā Pokemāeroero/ The Maclennan Range, in the Catlins, supports the largest remaining area of native lowland mixed podocarp forest in southeast Aotearoa. This stretches from the coastline to the headwaters of the only two fully native forested river catchments left in this region. However, this forest and the species within are impacted by introduced predators and browsers. Forest & Bird’s Tautuku Restoration Project, initiated in 2016, conducts effective landscape scale introduced species control for the benefit of the native flora and fauna, while at the same time surveying for threatened species, and determining how to better protect them. 

The project works with a wide range of collaborators and to date we have discovered threatened species that were unknown to still be in the area, including a freshwater fish, reptile, bird, and several plants. On this field trip we will guide you through the diverse habitats and observe some of the native animal and plant species that make this site so special. We will highlight our introduced species control and native species monitoring work and touch on the success to date and challenges that we face.

Important:         Backcountry fitness required - we will be walking on rough tracks and off track through forest and wetlands and there may                                       be some sections of steep hill climbs and river crossings.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a 307 hectare fenced sanctuary just north of the Dunedin city. It was established in 2007 and since has become the home to many threatened species not seen in the area for hundreds of years. Join one of our expert guides on a 2 hour tour through Orokonui where you will learn of the work being done to protect biodiversity, experience Dunedin cloud forest, and get a chance to see a variety of threatened species including South Island kākā, Otago skinks, tuatara, moko kākāriki (jewelled gecko) as well as many other birds, reptiles, plants and invertebrates. 

The sanctuary will not be open to the public on this day so our tour group will get to experience the sanctuary all to ourselves. As part of the tour we will also provide you with a pass that will allow you to return for a free self-guided entry on one of the sanctuaries open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Led by:             Chris Hepburn & Brendan Flack 

Time:                 depart University 9:00am, return to University 3:30pm (transfer to Peninsula bus to carry on to airport with ~4.15pm drop off)

What to bring:  A packed lunch will be provided. Please bring a water bottle, good walking shoes, sunscreen and wet weather gear if needed.

Led by:             Hoani Langsbury 

Time:                 depart University 9:00am, return to University 3:30pm (option to carry on to airport with ~4.15pm  drop off) 

What to bring:  A packed lunch will be provided. Please bring a water bottle, good walking shoes, sunscreen and wet weather gear if needed.

We will go for a light but possibly muddy hike of a few kilometres through the wetlands to Whakaraupuka/Ram Island, to observe the ongoing habitat restoration, and to talk about the cultural and natural history of the wetlands. Weather permitting, there will also be an optional paddling trip through the ponds (canoes and life jackets provided).