A visit to both an exotic forestry research site, and an outstanding natural podocarp forest.  At 2900 square kilometers, Kaingaroa forest is the largest plantation forest in New Zealand. First planted in the early twentieth century, the forest is located on volcanic plateau soils to the south of Rotorua. The trip will begin by crossing the forest to visit a Pinus radiata research site established by Scion (NZ Forest Research Institute) that includes sap flow and dendrometer sensor networks. In the afternoon we will visit Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, a precious area of natural, old-growth lowland forest, featuring towering indigenous podocarp trees. Often described as a natural wonder, Whirinaki is one of the best remaining examples of this forest type in NZ. 

A tour of the horticultural industry of the Bay of Plenty, heart of the NZ kiwifruit industry. Known for it’s deep, fertile soils and moderate climate, the Te Puke area is where commercial kiwifruit production first began outside of China, and is also now an important area for avocado production.  This trip will include a visit to a high-productivity gold kiwifruit orchard, site of long-term monitoring of orchard water and nutrient fluxes. Sensors in use at the site include sap-flow and water potential sensors, light sensor arrays and soil groundwater flux meters. The group will then continue to Plant and Food Research Te Puke, for a tour of their extensive kiwifruit and avocado breeding and research facilities.