Pingouins en Kayaks

Today we journeyed back to Akaroa, one of the first places we went to on this trip. We stopped for a quick tea time at Little River and made our way to meet up with the Pohatu Penguin Conservation group. Pohatu Penguin focuses on the conservation of the Little Penguin, with many threats to combat such as exotic mammalian predators, invasive plants taking over such as gorse, and habitat loss. Started 30 years ago by Shireen and Francis Helps, they have focused on boosting the population of the Pohatu colony. Kevin and Ben would be our tour guides for the day, greeting us with their friendly faces and French accents. We made the drive to Flea Bay where the real fun would begin. Even though the name sounds hostile, the origin story explains the truth. When settlers first arrived at Flea Bay, it was during the summer which is molting season for the Little Penguins. They shed their old feathers, a process which takes about 2 weeks, in order to have fresh feathers that are more waterproof and durable. During this, the infamous sand fleas of New Zealand take advantage of the penguins long stay on land and show up in hordes. Thankfully we are here in the winter and did not have any visits from sand fleas.

Our new friends!

We were immediately greeted by 3 residents of the area and even had the chance to feed our new friends. After a quick lunch, we began to prepare for our sea kayaking excursion. Equipped with wet suit skirts, lifejackets and paddles, everyone paired up and made the trek to the bay side. Kevin and Ben gave us a safety briefing which included how to paddle, what to do if our boats tip over, and what to do in case both Kevin and Ben are lost at sea. With most of us taking our shoes off and losing feeling in them almost instantly, we sent the kayaks off into the bay. We did our best to keep our distance from each other but also stick close to Ben as he talked to the group about the penguins and fur seals of the area. We were lucky enough to see a pair of penguins up on a cliffs edge, as well as fur seals, a few pied shags, and a giant petrel flew right by us a couple of times. We toured around the cove, hearing about the success story of this Little Penguin colony. 7 years ago there were only about 300 breeding pairs and as of 2016 there are at least 1100 breeding pairs in this colony. With traps put out around the bay in hopes of catching rats, possums or mustelids, the penguins have had a much better chance of survival with the lower number of predators.

Everyone preparing for the cold water

Action shot of the group

We got to see paua shells on the beach!

After the 2 hour tour, we head back inland for the opportunity to see one of the penguins up close. The area has 400 small boxes all over for the penguins to nest in for they prefer to be in dark places such as cliff sides, burrows that they sometimes dig, tool sheds and boxes like the ones they have out. Little Penguins are territorial and need at least 10 meters (about 30 feet) away from one another, so the boxes have been placed accordingly. With cameras ready, Kevin lifted the lid off of the female Little Penguins box and we got about 15 seconds to marvel at her. 

Little Penguin up close

Heading back to Akaroa and bidding Kevin and Ben goodbye, we stopped at the Bach café for an afternoon tea time before making the journey back to Lincoln.

With today being a true outdoorsy adventure, tomorrow we should be having a more mellow and artistic experience.
-Grace

In the Clouds

Our first day back in Christchurch from our Free Weekend and we headed for another restoration project near Birdlings Flat. This project is set on 650 hectares, which also includes 1500 sheep and interestingly enough, is owned by an American conservationist. This piece of property is his own personal project, where hopefully The hills will be restored to native forest from plantings that will grow iinto a seed source which will allow nature to reforest the rest of the surrounding areas.

The variety of different kinds of plants planted displays this, including Coprosma, New Zealand Flax, and Lancewood. This is all part of an experimental process, to which one of the tenants, Rima gave us more information about. Over the last four years, there have been over 4,000 plants planted. These plants have it tough, as the area is near the ocean with lots of wind and harsh temperature changes (some rainy times, some drought), making it a tough climate for plants to survive in. Not only do they have to battle the ocean winds, but they are harsh Southerly winds. These plants also are consumed by hares, and as Rima mentioned, one hare can decimate around 1,000 plants in just one weekend.

Everyone listening intently to Rima while she explains how to properly mulch a plant

Our job today was to help with the not-so-glamourous (far less so than planting) weeding and mulching process to ensure that these plants didn't get overgrown by exotic grasses, or eaten by hares. We focused on pulling out all the weeds under and around the plastic wire cages that enclose the plants. These grasses are dense and hard to eliminate without animals grazing, which causes even more difficult for the natural plants to be able to establish themselves. After pulling out the grasses surrounding the plant as well as around the protective fence of each plant, we were instructed to use dry grass to place surrounding the plant as mulch to ensure that the moisture would stay in and that no weeds would grow through it. We started off on one side of the mountain, working until lunch to pull out all the weeds and mulching a planting site that Dr. Hostetler's students planted in 2016.

Working hard to ensure the plants are free of any weeds

Dylan and his helper, Bonnie, mulching a plant

After having lunch in the clouds (literally), we began our trek down the other side of the mountain where we continued to pull weeds and mulch a one year old site of native plantings. The difference seen in the mulching from both sides was clear, proving to us that this process clearly benefits the plants when done properly.

Eating lunch in the clouds

Once finishing up with our weeding, we had a beautiful walk down that included all of us on the hunt for agate. We finished up our day with a trip to the aqua center, where we all enjoyed the warm relaxation pool, and of course the lazy river. - Tess

Proud of our weeding!

planting, planting, and more planting!

Today consisted primarily of restoration projects.  Our first stop was at the Ka Putahi Creek.  Here we meet with Antony Shadbolt who has worked in conservation and gardening for 32 years.  Antony started off as a gardener but then got his bachelors and Lincoln and his graduate degree at the University of Canterbury.  The property we were at was next to the Sticks River.  With the Sticks River having mostly a rural surrounding, there was a huge push for Canterbury's environmental organization to buy land around the river, especially with it being the second most potent waterway in Christchurch, and possibly to best one in the future. The six values for land use that are guidelines to the restoration process are the following: Drainage, culture, heritage, recreation, ecology, and landscape.  Antony explained how these values are incorporated into restoration projects, such as sedimentation ponds that improve the water quality, or their protection of multiple fish species in the area so that the Maori can harvest them.  We quickly stopped at a lookout for different birds, including the paradise Shell duck and Grey Tail duck.  Interestingly enough, there are no Canadian geese in this area, due to there being no grass around the ponds.  Another cool part of the property was that instead of fully unwanted trees, they saved enough of it so that they could use it as a structure for bird nests.  They would also put a metal sheet around the tree so that possums could not climb up and harm the birds.  We then planted marble leaf, small leaf coprasma, and matai at the first site.  The soil was extremely soft, which made for a quick finish to the 89 plants planted at the site.  We then went to another spot by Sticks River, where we got right into the mud and planted some tussock grass in order to restore the wetlands. One interesting fact Antony told us was that the Magpies will come and try and take out the grass, basically because they don't like them. At our final site, we pushed on through the rain to help a local park ranger spread mulch around plants on the gated property.

Antony explaining to the group the different birds and plants around the property

Antony shows us how to property plant 

The group hard at work at the first site

Proud of our hard work planting at the first site

Pete the pinecone poses with his spade in front of his hard work

Mulching through the storm

Filling up a wheelbarrow through the rain

After we planted 238 plants at the first two sites, and over 20 wheelbarrows full of mulch moved at the third site, we made our way to C1 espresso to warm up and reward ourselves for a hard day's work. - Joe

Mountains and Hot Chocolate

Today started off with a lecture given by Dean Anderson discussing the mammal pests in New Zealand. Interestingly enough, there are only two types of native mammals on New Zealand (excluding marine mammals),  the short tailed bat and the long tailed bat. But as Dean Anderson discussed, today you can find multiple types of introduced mammal species such as rats, mice, stoats, possums (not like ours - these are cute and cuddly looking and add to the reasons why folks line up on the side of not wanting to kill them) and hedgehogs. These animals have caused a lot of damage to the native animals found on the island, especially concerning the bird populations - they are the main threat. Dean also discussed the feasibility of Predator Free New Zealand by 2050, with the goal to eradicate possums, rats and stoats by 2050. The eradication of rats has already been made possible on some smaller islands with the help of the toxin 1080. Possums and rats both will consume something with 1080, making it feasible to one day eradicate them. Stoats, however, will not consume bait with 1080, making them harder to eradicate.

Everyone's attention glued to Dean Anderson during his presentation

Once finishing the lecture, we all got into groups to create Logic Models for a specific issue each group wanted to combat. One group wrote about eliminating single use plastics, while another group wrote about eliminating plastic bags in Orlando. It was interesting to see the different inputs and outcomes for each issue.

Tati writing down ideas for her group concerning single use plastics

Bauer proudly holding up his groups poster

After presenting our models we were blessed with a sunny day throughout our hike at Ahriri Scenic Reserve. Once reaching the top up at Coopers Knob we enjoyed the beautiful panoramic views of Quail Island and the surrounding mountains, while even catching a glimpse of Birdlings Flat. At the top, we were also able to learn more about coffee from coffee aficionado himself, Dr. Hostetler. After learning everything about coffee, we were able to use the beautiful native fuchsia trees to help us on on our slippery descent down. We quickly stopped at Governors Bay to look for the White Spoonbill. Unfortunately, since we spent so much time on top of the Port Hills, the tide had already come in over the mud flats and since it was high tide, the likelihood of seeing one was slim.

Lunch with a view

Learning all about coffee from the coffee aficionado himself

We made it to the top!

On the hunt for the White Spoonbill

 We ended the day off by going to a chocolatier at Governor's Bay called She Universe. Even though the hot chocolate machine had been turned off for the day, luck was on our side as we were able to get a taste of their signature hot chocolate and enjoyed coffee and tea and a sampling of truffles. - Tess

Back the Way We Came: The Pounamu Highway

After four days and four nights in Greymouth, we were ready to leave town. Any excuse to leave the cold, rainy, and grey west coast was welcomed by all of us, especially those who had fallen ill these past few days. Of course, it wouldn't be a morning in Greymouth without breakfast at Maggie's Kitchen. We each ordered our usual fare and signed a thank you card for Alan and Maggie, the proprietors of the restaurant. Once we expressed our gratitude and said our final goodbyes, it was into the GatorWaka to return to Lincoln University.

The original plan was to drive through Lewis Pass, but Dr. Hostetler's persistent cold meant we had to drive back through Arthur's Pass to quickly return to the Canterbury plains. Getting everyone back to rest and recuperate was our top priority to return to fit and fighting shape. The transition from wet and rainy podocarp and beech forests to dry tussock grassland was most apparent on the drive back.

The one stop we did take, however, was at the Cavern Stream Scenic Reserve, home to an underground river. The short hike to the edge of the limestone bluffs granted us a view of the stream below. Over many years, the stream cut through the limestone, and had two principle caves for exploration. Due to time constraints and difficult terrain, we decided to forego the first cave and head for the second one.

The Cavern Stream, photo taken downstream. Primary cave entrance seen to the right of the stream.

Further downstream, the stream terminated into a sinkhole. The rushing water disappeared back into the Earth, where its ultimate destination would be unknown to us.

Lexie leading the way!

Entrance to the secondary cave and termination point of the stream.

Water swirling back into the Earth.

The caves of this region also held special significance to the Maori population. During the Maori New Year, the Pleiades constellation comes into view and its arrival signifies the beginning of the new year. Matariki, short for Ngā mata o te ariki o Tāwhirimātea, or "the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea" is both the name for the constellation and the new year celebration.

In descending order of elevation, Arthur's Pass, Lewis Pass, and Haast Pass were used in pre-European times by the Maori people, namely the Ngai Tahu Maori, to transport greenstone, or pounamu, from the west coast to the plains of the east coast for trade. This valuable jade was transported in harekeke flax fiber bags to be exchanged for kumaru, or sweet potato. After European contact, pounamu was traded for pigs, sheep, or even muskets. Many of the Maori made this hard journey by foot with harekeke linen garments that had additional insulation from moa feathers. Hard to believe, since we all were shivering in the cold with even our multiple layers of modern synthetic clothing.

No sooner had we left the scenic preserve did the skies finally brighten up!

Many of us had purchased jade on the west coast for personal wear, or as gifts for friends and family back home. Even though we had the GatorWaka to take us back, it was an incredible experience to re-trace the steps of early greenstone merchants on the Pounamu highway. - Bauer

Under The Weather

Looking at rocks while Jámm, Amy, and Meryl collect flax for weaving

Marianna found this cool rock that was split in two

Lexie made this cool rock split in two ; )

We learned to weave flax fish, but Amy had to show off and make flowers

Well, the West Coast is a rain forest...  Today calls for 100 percent rain all day.  With our fearless leader under the weather, we took it easy today.  Breakkie at Maggies, a little snooping around the Greymouth shops, a short visit to the beach between rain showers, and some flax weaving.  Then, an afternoon off to rest up.

Hopefully everything will be a little brighter tomorrow.
- Meryl

Planting with Pups

     Our day got a later start than usual much to my own relief as the Super Rugby League final last night had left me rather drained. We headed straight to Hillyer's to pick up meat pies for lunch (chicken and apricot for those curious as to my choice). We ate them during our second lecture with Dr. Meurk in which he covered the theory, principles, and practice of ecosystem restoration. He stressed that there were various approaches to restoration, some of which are better suited to given conditions than others. In illustrating this point, he referenced Hugh Wilson of Hinewai Reserve whom we had met this very week. Hugh is a proponent of letting nature run its course with as little direct human intervention as possible. His decision to allow invasive gorse to grow in Hinewai is a textbook example of such a practice. However, Dr. Meurk emphasized the importance of the unique conditions in Hinewai that have been conducive to the success of Hugh's program such as the presence of native seeds in the soil.

     We left the Landcare Research facility for Mahoe Reserve across from Lincoln High School where we received our very own pair of gloves. How honored we all felt! We were introduced to Sue Jarvis, a founder of the Lincoln Envirotown Trust, who told us about the history and aim of the reserve to return the area to something like how it would've looked a thousand years ago. The reserve has been active since 2003 and draws volunteers every year to plant trees there. Dr. Meurk then demonstrated the proper technique for planting the seedlings spread all around the reserve before sending us on our way.

Dr. Meurk shows us the ropes, spade in hand.

Grace, Tess, and Maryanna show Jay the love he deserves for being such a good boy.

Another Jay shot for good measure.

 Bauer and Lexi work along the hillside to give their seedlings as strong a start as possible.

Joe, Tess, Grace, and Maryanna pose after a hard day's work.

Say treeeee!

Bauer under a free-standing arch made from the pots of the 270 plants.

We split into pairs and began working. The rocky soil gave us some difficulty in making proper holes in which to plant the seedlings but after a few plants we fell into a rhythm and by the end had planted 270 seedlings as a group! Amongst others, we planted cabbage trees, New Zealand flax, propinqua, kahakatia, kanuka, kohuhu, and marshland ribbonwood. We planted deep on the floodplain of the reserve as well as in the more stressed environments along the hillside, the whole time playing with two dogs who had energy enough for the entire afternoon. Jay (short for Justin Bieber) was quite lovable and helped to make our day. Joe and I spoke with Sue for some time about the climate of New Zealand which had afforded us a particularly comfortable afternoon in which to work. After a group photo and the effort to pack the remaining plants into the cars we left in the Gator Waka for the day. Tomorrow, we will head for the west coast bright and early where we will stay until our return on Friday. - Sheamus

Weathering The Tourist Drive

Inside the lodge with Hugh at Hinewai

Map of The Banks Peninsula and the Tourist Drive

We love having a weather forcast that lets us know how many layers we need for the day!

After a good night at the lodge at Hinewai, we bid a fond farewell to Hugh and headed off along the Tourist Drive of the Banks Peninsula. 

Enjoying the view despite the wind?

We got to experience a full range of weather from cold southerlies to warm sun as we took in sometimes hidden and sometimes brilliant views from the top of the crater rim out to the Pacific and interior bays.

Checking out the wakas (boats) at the Maori Museum

First stop Okains Bay to see the Maori and Colonial Museum with an impressive collection of Maori and Colonial artifacts.

Beach at Okains Bay

Then on to the Okains Bay beach where we had lunch out of the elements in a cave along the hills.
And, out into sun to explore a little of the bay before returning to the cars just in time for the next band of wind and rain.

Along the way we got to see beautiful hobbity-looking hills, sheep, cows and rainbows.

Just at the end of the Tourist Drive we took a short hike in some cold rain but protected by forest so we could see the giant Totara tree.  The Department of Conservation says, "This massive tree may be 2,000 years old and measures 8.5 m around its trunk."  And we thought the 600-year old Totara at Hinewai was big and old!

We then warmed up with a cuppa during our tea break back at the cafe at Little River before heading back to the Uni.

Fun Trip All!  - Dr. Hos and Meryl