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See what LEARNZ virtual fieldtrips are coming up:

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See what LEARNZ virtual fieldtrips are coming up:

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LEARNZ is a programme of free virtual field trips, helping students access the inaccessible. Visit inspiring places around Aotearoa, Antarctica and beyond. Let us take you there!

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A self guided botanical tour of Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary

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A self guided botanical tour of Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary

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Take a walk on the wild side_smldigital (1)

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Sustainable Coastlines Litter Project | Litter Intelligence

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Sustainable Coastlines Litter Project | Litter Intelligence

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Try searching 'Marlborough' and you will see the results of the beach clean ups that have been done here so far.
If your school or group would like to get involved, please contact Annie McDonald (MDC) or Tash Luxton (EnviroHub Marlborough).

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About Litter Intelligence

We cannot improve what we do not measure. Litter Intelligence is a long-term programme that collects litter data, provides powerful insights about the problem, and inspires widespread action for solutions. Led by New Zealand charity Sustainable Coastlines, the programme works in close collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation and Statistics New Zealand.

Find Out More

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We cannot improve what we do not measure. Litter Intelligence is a long-term programme that collects litter data, provides powerful insights about the problem, and inspires widespread action for solutions. Led by New Zealand charity Sustainable Coastlines, the programme works in close collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation and Statistics New Zealand.

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Zero Waste Spot is an interactive map of zero waste shopping options across Aotearoa New Zealand, researched and maintained by The Rubbish Trip

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Welcome to Zero Waste Spot
Zero Waste Spot is an interactive map of zero waste shopping options across Aotearoa New Zealand, researched and maintained by The Rubbish Trip, and kindly hosted and designed by Eco Spot and the team at Sugarcube Studios!
Use the search bar to browse for shopping options by category or simply zoom into your hometown and have a look around at what's on offer!

To view this information in a text guide format for your local area (including additional information about local waste-busting community groups and services), check the Regional Zero Waste Guides on The Rubbish Trip website.

Suggesting markers: We're still uploading our Regional Zero Waste Guides on to this map, so your town or city may not be on here yet! For areas not yet on the map, please check the relevant regional guide on The Rubbish Trip website before suggesting markers. If the place you're thinking of is listed, that means we know about it already; if it's not on the regional guide, leave us a comment on The Rubbish Trip website!

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Interactive Map | Eco Spot | Zero Waste Spot | Stall Spot

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Welcome to Zero Waste Spot Zero Waste Spot is an interactive map of zero waste shopping options across Aotearoa New Zealand, researched and maintained by The Rubbish Trip, and kindly hosted and designed by Eco Spot and the team at Sugarcube Studios!

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Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, or Te Hoiere, is home to one of the last remaining populations of long tailed bats in Marlborough.

A small population of long-tailed bats roost in the large forest around the bridge and campsite. On warm summer evenings, bats can sometimes be seen in the twilight, circling high in the forest canopy or flying along the river.

Later at night, they can often be glimpsed foraging for moths above the street lights.

Before humans settled in New Zealand about 700 years ago, three bat species were widespread and abundant. Now bats are rarely seen.

One species (the greater short-tailed bat) is already extinct and without intervention, the other two species (short-tailed and long-tailed bats) will probably be extinct on the mainland within 50 years.

The catastrophic and ongoing decline in New Zealand's bats is a result of the mammalian predators (rats, stoats and cats) that arrived with humans. New Zealand's largest bat species, the greater short-tailed bat, died out on the mainland soon after Pacific rats arrived with Maori settlers.

The other two bat species were still common during the early 19th century, but have since almost disappeared under the onslaught of mammalian predators that arrived with European settlers.

With the assistance of volunteers, Forest & Bird has initiated a predator
trapping programme to protect the Pelorus Bridge bat population.

Forest & Bird's work is supported by the Stout Trust, Ngati Kuia, The NZ Lottery Grants Board and the Department of Conservation

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Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, or Te Hoiere, is home to one of the last remaining populations of long tailed bats in Marlborough. A small population of long-tailed bats roost in the large forest around the bridge and campsite. On warm summer evenings, bats can sometimes be seen in the twilight, circling high in the forest canopy or flying along the river.

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Get involved at a beach near you!

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Marine Metre Squared is an easy way for anyone to survey the plants and animals living on their local seashore.

Read more

Find out about some of the Mm2 discoveries and how people are getting involved. Share your observations by emailing us.

Read more

In June 2019: 47 new surveys submitted ~~ 189 species logged ~~ 136 students collected data

Read more

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Marine Metre Squared is an easy way for anyone to survey the plants and animals living on their local seashore. Read more Find out about some of the Mm2 discoveries and how people are getting involved. Share your observations by emailing us.

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Planning booklet for kids' outdoor adventures

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Planning booklet for kids' outdoor adventures

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A Living Landscapes educational resource for Marlborough primary schools.

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Marlborough Conservation Education Toolbox 2021

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Richard de Hamel offers a number of programmes in Marlborough.

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This unique programme takes place aboard a chartered commercial sailing vessel. Students undertake a range of duties while on board. These include helping to haul the sails, steer the boat, navigate and plot our position on the chart, take soundings (measure the depth), use a traditional ship's log (for measuring speed), identify seabirds and other wildlife, take plankton and bottom samples, etc.

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Maori Eco School Cruises | Marlborough Sounds Eco Tours & Educational Camps in Picton NZ

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Pete and Takutai of Maori Eco-Cruises are proud to promote their school camp programme of 1-day trips and 3-day camps in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Click for full details...

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Who we Are

In May 2015, 70 year old Blenheim resident Bill McEwan and his son Robbie 33, sat in the centre of Blenheim and fasted for a week. They were dismayed by the lack of understanding in Marlborough around climate change. They called the action a karanga - a call. They were joined at the end of the week by others and subsequently Climate Karanga Marlborough (CKM) was created. We are active in Marlborough educating, lobbying and supporting the community.

Mission

To bring to the people of Marlborough the realities of climate breakdown and educate how best to respond.
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Goals

To persuade elected representatives and their officials to pursue policies designed to limit the extent of rapid climate change and help New Zealanders adapt to its consequences.

To increase NZ society's awareness of, and its preparedness to meet the impending challenges that rapid climate change will entail.

To provide a social support network and first point of recourse for Marlburians and other New Zealanders anxious about, or looking to better understand the implications of rapid climate change.

Membership

To become a member of Climate Karanga, simply fill in the form below.
Currently, there are no membership fees and CKM is funded by whatever individual donations its members care to contribute. A copy of our constitution can be found on the menu bar.

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In May 2015, 70 year old Blenheim resident Bill McEwan and his son Robbie 33, sat in the centre of Blenheim and fasted for a week. They were dismayed by the lack of understanding in Marlborough around climate change. They called the action a karanga - a call.

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Welcome to the Marlborough Falcon Trust

Our Kārearea once enjoyed a thriving and sustainable wild population across New Zealand, sadly this is not true today. The Department of Conservation list the New Zealand falcon as 'At Risk - In Decline' meaning action now could make the difference in restoring our last remaining endemic raptor to our skies.

The Marlborough Falcon Trust (MFT) was established in December 2008 works hard to ensure that our falcons will be here for many generations to come.

Call us today on 0276325266

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Our vision is of a thriving Karearea population, numerically restored throughout Marlborough's various natural and man-managed habitats. Our view is that heightened public awareness of the NZ Falcon is critical to not only ensure understanding of this over-looked native treasure but to eradicate per

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Tui to Town | Marlborough District Council

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Tui to Town | Marlborough District Council

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Print

The Tui to Town project promotes natural habitat restoration for lowland areas of South Marlborough where there is very little natural vegetation cover left and also encourages the public to report sightings of native birds so that more information can be collected about which birds species are present, what they feed on, seasonal movements and so on.

The project was established in 2008 with a focus on the Wairau Plain area near Blenheim to start with. It has now been extended to include further up the Wairau Valley and south-east to the areas around the townships of Seddon and Ward (see link to map below). The boundary of the project area is aligned with land identified nationally by the Ministry for the Environment as 'threatened land environments' where less than 10% of the land area is still in native vegetation and therefore a priority for protection and restoration. In reality, the Tui to Town area has only 1% to 2% of land area in native vegetation and therefore very little habitat for native birds and insects.

Protection of existing areas of native vegetation and the planting of new areas will help provide stepping stones of habitat for native birds. Whether it's a few suitable plants in the garden or larger plantings which Council may be able to help fund, together they will help to create habitat for native birds and insects. Experience since 2008 has shown that some of the new plantings were being visited by tui and other native birds after three to four years.

In addition to promoting new native plantings the Tui to Town project also encourages the reporting of native bird sightings by the public to help build a better picture of what birds species are present, food sources and behaviours. A database has been set up to collect this information and has been expanded from a focus on tui sightings to a wide range of native birds which might be seen in the new expanded project area.

Native bird sightings

Report native bird sightings to Council to help improve our knowledge of what species are present:

Phone: 03 520 7400

Email: tui@marlborough.govt.nz
Go to iNaturalist to share your sightings with others
Plant stepping stones of native habitat

New native plantings of suitable species will create habitat for native birds and insects. Some exotic species can also provide food sources, notably winter flowering eucalyptus species that provide nectar and pollen at critical times of the year.

Funding assistance is available for native plantings on private land that are a minimum of 1000 square metres in area. Since 2008, about 35 of these areas have been funded on the Wairau Plain though the Tui to Town project.

Funding guidelines with details on how to apply and a map showing the eligible area are available below.

Native planting guides (simple and comprehensive are available below).

Planting guides

There are several planting guides relevant to the Wairau Plain area. The following list is the recommended species list for Tui to Town planting projects as it includes a diverse mix of easily available and easy to grow native species suitable for this area.

Suitable Tui to Town native plant species

The following guides may also provide some ideas:
Go to Native Vegetation for South Marlborough - A Planting Guide 2004

Suitable Tui to Town exotic plant species

Smaller trees and shrubs (1 to 5 m)

Trees (tall 5 to 20 m)

Tui are endemic to New Zealand (found nowhere else in the world).

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Print The Tui to Town project promotes natural habitat restoration for lowland areas of South Marlborough where there is very little natural vegetation cover left and also encourages the public to report sightings of native birds so that more information can be collected about which birds species are present, what they feed on, seasonal movements and so on.

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The project was developed by DOC in 2013 and is supported by Kathmandu.

Project goals

Regan Russell from Ecoworld showing tuatara to campers

The Momorangi conservation project aims to restore the missing canopy tree species of Momorangi Bay.

The project also has a strong education focus. Campers at Momorangi Bay campground, along with local community and day visitors, can learn more about conservation through fun activities and interactive resources.

There are opportunities to volunteer to help restore forest in the reserve behind the campground, such as helping with trapping, sponsoring a tree, planting and assisting in weed control.

Get involved

Go on the mailing list to find out what's happening. Email picton@doc.govt.nz with Momorangi Conservation Project in the subject line to be added to the list.

Contact the DOC Waitohi / Picton Office on +64 3 520 3002 or Momorangi Bay camp managers Wayne and Helen Foley on +64 3 573 7865 to offer your enthusiasm and time.

History of Momorangi Bay

A succession of Māori tribes inhabited the area for several hundred years before the arrival of Europeans. Kaainga (villages) were situated in nearby Ngakutu Bay and Anakiwa. Maori probably utilised Momorangi Bay for food gathering and possibly temporary settlement. "Momorangi" means 'myraid of descendants from the heavens'. Due to significant earthworks in the mid to later part of the 20 th century no evidence of occupation now exists.

Kiri the kanuka, Momorangi's mascot

In the 1861 a timber mill was built at nearby The Grove amongst a stand of giant kahikatea and soon all the mature trees were harvested. The discovery of gold in 1864 bought 1,000s of Europeans to the Grove and Mahikapawa Arms. The gold and timber didn't last long and small scale farming took over in the 1870s and 1880s.

Momorangi Bay has a long history of farming and most of the slopes were in grassland. Repeated burning was required to keep the persistent scrub (manuka and kanuka) at bay. Farming ceased farming in 1954 when the hillslopes (247 ha) were gazetted for a scenic reserve between 1954 and 1963. The flat ground (6.5 ha) was created a recreation reserve at a similar time and became a popular camping ground.

Momorangi Bay Campground has become the quintessential kiwi holiday for many, with families returning year after year.

Flora and fauna

Investigating insects

Since farming ceased in the mid 1950s, the forest has rapidly regenerated with predominantly manuka on the higher slopes and kanuka on the lower slopes. Species such as five finger, mahoe, kamahi, kohuhu, rangiora and ponga are present under the manuka or kanuka canopy.

In the damper gullies the manuka has been replaced by broadleaved species including isolated titoki and pukatea. A small patch of hard beech on the eastern side of the bay are likely to be from one remaining mature beech tree. This beech tree shows evidence of being burnt so may have been part of the original forest.

In the wider Grove Arm area there are pockets of remnant forest which provide clues that Momorangi Bay would have been covered by mixed podocarp and beech forest. Hard beech would have been predominant on most slopes and ridges, black beech on coastal spurs and headlands, pukatea and tawa in gullies, and kahikatea, pukatea and tawa on swampy alluvial flats. There are two swamp maire just outside the reserve at the Grove, constituting one of only two known localities of this species in the South Island. It is likely that swamp maire was formerly common on the swampy flats.

Succession of a regenerating forest

The likely successional trends are for manuka and kanuka scrub and low forest to be replaced by broadleaved species beginning as subcanopy species, and eventually outcompeting the scrub. Later to establish are the taller emergent species like rewarewa, rimu, totara, matai and kahikatea.

Understanding natural processes of succession is helpful when restoring forest. Unfortunately natural regeneration relies on a full suite of species to be available nearby as a source for seed. Many of the canopy and emergent species in Momorangi Bay are very rare or missing so regeneration has stalled. To restore the ecosystem fully, these species are being introduced back into the system.

Birdlife

Momorangi forest is inhabited by good populations of common native species such as:

Around the Momorangi coast the following species can also be found:

Download the Common Birds of Marlborough Sounds (PDF, 4, 964K) brochure to help you spot some of these species on your next trip to Momorangi.

Threats

While the reserve has vegetation cover of predominantly manuka, further regeneration has stalled due to:

lack of seed of canopy tree species, such as beech, swamp maire/maire tawake, rimu, kahikatea and tree fushia/kōtukutuku

introduced pests such as rats, possums, goats and pigs impeding the regeneration of the native vegetation, and predators such as stoats and rats preying on native fauna

weed infestation by species such as old man's beard and banana passionfruit, which outcompetes or smothers native vegetation.

Weeds

Weeds are a major management problem in Momorangi Bay.

Wilding pines are considered one of the biggest threats to the regeneration of the forest. Wilding pines are self-seeded pine seedlings from a number of different species; the most common in Marlborough Sounds is Pinus radiata. They are of particular concern in young, regenerating forest where light allows them to germinate. Control requires 'drill and fill method - drilling a series of holes around the truck and filling it with herbicide. The tree disintegrates gradually over time which avoids any land disturbance or damage to surrounding vegetation during control.

Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust has been instrumental in reducing wilding pines in the Marlborough Sounds. In 2013 the Trust joined forces with Kathmandu, where Kathmandu employees can make donations through the 'Share the Dream' programme. This has directly resulted in wildings being poisoned in Momorangi Bay, as well as contributing to control in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Climbing vines such as old man's beard and banana passionfruit inhibit growth of native trees through smothering and out-competing the forest. Gorse, broom and Spanish heath is common but it is not likely to persist as native plant regeneration advances, except on the forest edges and natural light gaps where they may prevent native regeneration of shrubby species.

Animal pests

Trapping possums

Predatory pests such as possums, rats and stoats eat the eggs and young and attack the adults. They may also outcompete native species by eating their food source, eg insects and lizards, seeds and berries.

Grazers and browsers include goats and deer. Goats in particular are having a large impact on regeneration of native plants. Goats will eat the foliage of most trees and plants and quickly destroy all vegetation within their reach, eating seedlings, saplings and litter-fall off the forest floor.

Pigs can also be a problem, feeding on invertebrates, seeds and seedlings and disturbing the forest floor.

Momorangi Forest Experience

Time: 20 min return

This is a short loop walk through regenerating forest. Take some time to enjoy the interactive interpretation. Access from the end of the Momorangi Bay campground road.

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The project was developed by DOC in 2013 and is supported by Kathmandu. Regan Russell from Ecoworld showing tuatara to campers The Momorangi conservation project aims to restore the missing canopy tree species of Momorangi Bay. The project also has a strong education focus.

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Our aims through the EICT are to protect and enhance the natural eco-systems and heritage values of Endeavour Inlet and the surrounding areas within the Marlborough Sounds for the benefit of the community, visitors and the public and, in particular, to

Protect and enhance the native flora and fauna in Endeavour Inlet and surrounding Sounds

Identify and assist in the conservation of ecosystems in Endeavour Inlet and surrounding Sounds

Raise awareness of the community, visitors and the public of the value of natural ecosystems and their restoration needs

Undertake animal and plant pest control in Endeavour Inlet and surrounding Sounds

Work with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and tangata whenua to assume any guardianship role relevant to the purpose of the Trust

Identify and protect heritage values of Endeavour Inlet and surrounding Sounds;

Work with DOC, Marlborough District Council and other trusts and conservation agencies to ensure that the Trust's activities are compatible

Coordinate volunteer activities to carry out the work of the Trust

Raise funds for the purposes of the Trust

Promote education about the protection and enhancement of native flora and fauna in Endeavour Inlet and surrounding Sounds.

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Our aims through the EICT are to protect and enhance the natural eco-systems and heritage values of Endeavour Inlet and the surrounding areas within the Marlborough Sounds for the benefit of the community, visitors and the public and, in particular, to Protect and enhance the native flora and fauna in

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In 2003, a group of volunteers came together to set up the Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust. We had a simple yet ambitious goal - to restore and protect the natural environment of the Sounds.

Working with landowners, local businesses, the community and Government, we are helping protect the Sounds paradise - hectare by hectare, tree by tree. Our vision is to work with the community on projects that help look after and restore the natural value of the Sounds.

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Working with landowners, local businesses, the community and Government, we are helping protect the Sounds paradise - hectare by hectare, tree by tree. Our vision is to work with the community on projects that help look after and restore the natural value of the Sounds.

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Search 'Marlborough' for a list of local projects.

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Creating a national picture of community conservation efforts

53,795,769

square meters of weeds controlled

95

threatened species planted

1,765,106

plants in the ground

42,498

active group members

Restoration of native forests in New Zealand has previously been undertaken by planting young trees raised in nurseries and tending to those trees for several years to protect them from environmental risk factors. More recently, there have been...

Here's a fantastic reason to be in our gardens, local parks or school grounds and enjoy the peace with our birds. Get the family involved (or not!) and take part in this year's NZ Garden Bird Survey. Just select a survey location, and on one day...

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Creating a national picture of community conservation efforts square meters of weeds controlled threatened species planted plants in the ground active group members Restoration of native forests in New Zealand has previously been undertaken by planting young trees raised in nurseries and tending to those trees for several years to protect them from environmental risk factors.

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Lodge, Wildlife Recovery & Arts Center

Winter Closure

Lochmara is currently closed and we are reopening September 23rd 2020.
In the meantime we are answering emails/reservations so please email or make a reservation for accommodation or a day visit on the tabs below.

Great spring packages can be found here and these are being added to frequently... just incase you need a little enticing....

Shayne, Louise and all our kiwi staff are looking forward to seeing you all again in the spring.
LoveNZ.

Day Trips or Accommodation or Underwater Observatory

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Lodge, Wildlife Recovery & Arts Center Lochmara is currently closed and we are reopening September 23rd 2020. In the meantime we are answering emails/reservations so please email or make a reservation for accommodation or a day visit on the tabs below. Great spring packages can be found here and these are being added to frequently...

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Only ten minutes by boat from Picton, the Sanctuary can be accessed by private boat, water taxi or kayak. It is free to visit but donations are greatly appreciated. Allow
​1.5 - 2 hours to leisurely walk around the 2.7 km circular track.
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Education at Kaipupu

Experience the Sanctuary accompanied by our trained educator. Students will learn about the Sanctuary, our processes, conservation and how they can help.
Our guided tours also offer a unique insight into the Sanctuary, contact us for more info.​
​

Get involved

Help Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary become pest free by volunteering or join up as a member and keep up to date with all the latest news in our bimonthly newsletter.​​
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Only ten minutes by boat from Picton, the Sanctuary can be accessed by private boat, water taxi or kayak. It is free to visit but donations are greatly appreciated. Allow ​1.5 - 2 hours to leisurely walk around the 2.7 km circular track.​ Experience the Sanctuary accompanied by our trained educator.

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Discover the magic of Mistletoe Bay Eco Village- there is something for everyone.

"Mistletoe Bay Eco Village and our Trust are built on three pillars: Conservation, Education and Environmental Sustainability."

Mistletoe Bay Eco Village is run by a not for profit charitable trust, The Mistletoe Bay Trust.
Listen to the recent RNZ Interview with founding member Simon Heath and Kim Hill here LISTEN NOW
Every dollar earned from our commercial operation is used to help provide a 40% discount we pass onto schools enabling more school-aged youth to have unique educational experiences at Mistletoe Bay and take on the future stewardship of our environment.

Read More

Nature, native bush and calm waters

Mistletoe Bay Eco Village is located within a pristine setting in the breath taking Marlborough Sounds. It showcases New Zealand's finest qualities: native bush, endemic fauna, clear water, solitude, recreation and peace.

Our Qualmark rated Enviro Silver 4 Star Plus facility is unique in New Zealand.

Read More

Located within a pristine setting in the breath-taking Marlborough Sounds

Get active in the Marlborough Sounds

At Mistletoe Bay Eco Village there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy including walking, biking, kayaking, fishing and exploring the waterfront. Come along and explore!

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Celebrate the Mistletoe way!

Weddings at Mistletoe Bay Eco Village are memorable and truly unique with fabulous backdrops for stunning photography. You can hire the whole place so that you and your guests can celebrate and relax together.

Read More

Stay at Mistletoe Bay Eco Village

Whether you are after a waterfront cabin, a cosy cottage, shared accommodation or camping, Mistletoe Bay Eco Village has something to suit everyone, all year round!

Read More

Keep in Touch!

Subscribe to Mistletoe Bay Eco Village E-news

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep in touch with what is happening at Mistletoe Bay Eco Village.
Read recent news articles and keep up to date with our latest events.

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Discover the magic of Mistletoe Bay Eco Village- there is something for everyone. "Mistletoe Bay Eco Village and our Trust are built on three pillars: Conservation, Education and Environmental Sustainability." Mistletoe Bay Eco Village is run by a not for profit charitable trust, The Mistletoe Bay Trust.

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Turn off SH6 west of Blenheim into Northbank Rd. Follow this for 25 km, turn into Pine Valley Rd. Drive to the end of the road, through farmland and pine forest (leave gates as found).

The camp can be accessed by 4WD across the ford / river crossing, or take a 20 minute walk and cross the swingbridge.

Do not camp at the road end.

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Turn off SH6 west of Blenheim into Northbank Rd. Follow this for 25 km, turn into Pine Valley Rd. Drive to the end of the road, through farmland and pine forest (leave gates as found). The camp can be accessed by 4WD across the ford / river crossing, or take a 20 minute walk and cross the swingbridge.

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Newsletter published on: Jan 27, 2017 World Wetland Day - Kayaking Te Whanau Hou Grovetown Lagoon Society would would like to celebrate World Wetland Day by getting people out on a wetland to see what it is all about. We are running a kayaking day on 25 January.

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Turn off SH 6 west of Blemheim into Northbank Rd. Follow for approx. 6 km. Turn right into Onamalutu Rd and follow for 7 km to the campsite.

Adult (18+ years): $8 per night

Child (5 - 17 years): $4 per night

Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Pay cash on arrival at the self-registration stand at the campsite.

Powered campsites: $5 per night

The DOC/NZMCA Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.

Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.

Watch out for wasps, especially in late summer and autumn.

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Turn off SH 6 west of Blemheim into Northbank Rd. Follow for approx. 6 km. Turn right into Onamalutu Rd and follow for 7 km to the campsite. Adult (18+ years): $8 per night Child (5 - 17 years): $4 per night Infant (0 - 4 years): free Pay cash on arrival at the self-registration stand at the campsite.

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Read about it here: predatorfreenz.org/smiths-farm/

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Visiting Grovetown Lagoon? You might like to take this scavenger hunt with you: it was created by students at Grovetown School in 2021.

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Get ready

Download the adventure map (PDF, 6,750K) and check out what you can do.

Go and explore

Look out for the Guardian Post when you get there. On it you'll find a special code word - write it down.

Getting there: There are numerous access points in Blenheim, including Henry Street, Monro Street or Beaver Road.

Claim your reward

Tell us the Taylor River Reserve code word to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal for this adventure.

Put the medal on your back pack or pencil case to show everyone the adventure you've had.

Each Kiwi Guardians place has a different medal - see how many you can collect.

About Taylor River Reserve

Taylor River Reserve is managed by the Marlborough District Council.

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Download the adventure map (PDF, 6,750K) and check out what you can do. Look out for the Guardian Post when you get there. On it you'll find a special code word - write it down. Getting there: There are numerous access points in Blenheim, including Henry Street, Monro Street or Beaver Road.

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Mill Flat fieldtrip: conservation education resource

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Mill Flat fieldtrip: conservation education resource

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About this resource

The Pine Valley/Mill Flat area is easily accessible, encompasses several different habitats and has quality accommodation facilities nearby.

This site is ideal for groups wanting to study the freshwater and forest environments and to learn about a forest ecosystem and conservation techniques.

This guide is to be used in conjunction with our protecting your environment resources and other websites as indicated. While it has been developed with Mill Flat in mind, it will be useful for any field trip to a green space.

Exploring your local environment resources

These resources can be used to support teaching and learning through sequenced topics. Here are some suggestions on how to use these resources, and which activities are most relevant to Mill Flat.

To increase the learning opportunities at Mill Flat, consider running some in-school enquiry activities to allow some comparison for example, between a green space in an urban setting and one on public conservation land.
Conservation doesn't just happen on public conservation land. What conservation initiatives are underway local? How can we improve the health of our local green space?
Using the 'In your loval environment' resources students can:

connect with their local environment

explore green spaces in their school and local environment

experience native birds, plants and invertebrates in their green space

investigate animal and plant pests and lean about how they affect native species

understand how plants, birds, invertebrates and other native and endemic animals are connected and make up a healthy ecosystem

contribute to enhancing biodiversity in a green space.

Actions at Mill Flat

The following headings indicate the titles of the DOC green space resources available. Some examples, of actions that are applicable to a Mill Flat field trip have been extracted and listed below.
Protecting your environment

Understanding biodiversity of a greenspace - potential to compare health of forest green space with that of school/local green space.

Plant species - food & habitat

Native birds - influence of pests

Birds & lizards - seed dispersal

Invertebrates - indicate the health of a green space

Engaging the senses (page 9)

Nature hunt for living things (page 10)

Experiencing birds in your green space

Bird survey (page 11). This may be harder to do in the bush environment if students are hearing rather than seeing the birds, and are not confident identifying birds by call.
Experiencing invertebrates in your green space

Grouping invertebrates (page 11)

Life cycles of invertebrates (page 14)

Leaf litter investigation (page 16)

The stream study at Mill Flat compliments this module with the introduction to freshwater invertebrates. Investigating animal pests in your green space

Finding evidence of animal pests (page 7)

Investigate animal pests when overnighting at the Pine Valley Outdoor Education Camp (page 11). Potential to set up tracking tunnels at the outdoor camp.

Investigating plant pests in your green space

Noticing leaves and weeds (page 7)
(Mill Flat offers a good transition from pine forestry to native - demonstrating exotics/weeds and natives).

Getting there

From State Highway 6 northwest of Renwick follow Northbank Road for approximately 22.5km to the gravel Pine Valley Road. Follow this road through farm and forestry areas to the car park before the stream ford. If wishing to proceed to the camp site by vehicle four wheel drive is recommended. If entering by foot from the car park it is a 10 minute walk along the track to the swing bridge to cross the Pine Valley Stream to the recreation area.

Facilities

Accommodation at the Pine Valley Outdoor Centre.

Sleeping facilities for up to 60 people

A fully equipped kitchen with seating to cater for 60 people

Modern toilets and hot water showers

Outdoor BBQ area

Open spaces for games

Adventure playground, confidence course, waterslide

All equipment to undertake activities in the forest and stream using the Green Spaces resources/Living Landscape kit.

Ample parking for cars at Mill Flat carpark (20 minute walk further to Mill Flat campsite), or access directly to Mill Flat over Pine Valley Stream by 4WD.

Picnic and camping areas at Mill Flat

Long drop toilets at Mill Flat

Hazards

Refer to the Health and Safety considerations in the outdoors (Page 8) section in the Exploring Your Local Environment resource.

Hazards specific to Mill Flat include:

The stream is reasonably fast flowing, is quite bouldery and may be slippery. It can flood in high rain fall.

Tracks are an uneven walking surface.

There are wasps in the reserve numbers of these can be high January to April. There may be a poison control programme using bait stations over this time.

There are several walks that start from Mill Flat that are managed by DOC. The 10 minute "Mill Flat Walk" is an easy loop track. Other tracks in the area are the waterfall walk (short walk) and the more demanding Mt Fishtail track (5 hrs one way).

Pre-trip planning

Download the Green Spaces Resource you intend to use on your trip.

Read carefully through the instructions.

Ensure you download and print off the relevant forms and instructions - these will not be available on site.

There will be a list of equipment listed in Appendix 1 that you should bring and a list that is provided your use and is on site.

Book your camping areas directly with the Pine Valley Outdoor Centre +64 3 572 2501.

During your trip

It is your responsibility to tidy up the equipment. When you leave, make sure all equipment is left in a clean and dry state in the bin, so the next group can use it and have a quality experience.

Notify DOC Renwick office at Renwick@doc.govt.nz if any gear needs to be replaced.

Equipment available

Bird ID Field Guide

Recording Sheet

Insect ID Field Guide

Magnifying glass

Plastic tray

Viewing jar

Plant ID Field Guide

Values of Mill Flat

History

This site in Pine Valley was known as Mill Flat due to the logging activity that took place there, it has also been known as Fishtail Flat because of its location under the scree slopes of Mount Fishtail.

Mill Flat was the site of two periods of milling. In 1903 the mill was established alongside the Pine Valley Stream and it operated for around 20 years. The second period of logging took place after the Second World War for a short period. Water was drawn from the stream and used to make steam. The sawn wood produced was used by the growing population of Northbank, Wairau Valley and Blenheim. Rimu was the main species taken though a small quantity of Matai was also logged.

There is evidence of the mills working in the humps and hollows of the grass area, the most noticeable depressions are the site of pit saw and where the stream was diverted to feed water to the mill. Stumps of felled trees still remain in the surrounding bush; some trees appear to be growing on 'legs' as they germinated on tree stumps that have since rotted.

Today the area has regenerated in low land bush comprised of mixed beech and podocarp species, many of the species found in this area are at their northern or southern survival limits or are found here as far inland as they will grow. The valley bottoms would have been inhabited in wetlands; these areas in Pine valley are now pine forest and farm land predominantly.

Birdlife

Mill Flat is inhabited by good populations of common native species such as:

New Zealand wood pigeon/kereru

tui

bellbird/korimako

fantail/piwakawaka

grey warbler/riroriro

silvereye/tauhou

New Zealand falcon/karearea

western weka

South island robin/toutouwai

morepork/ruru

kingfisher/kotare

harrier/kahu.

Threats

While the reserve has largely recovered from the periods of logging, further regeneration can be affected by:

lack of seed of canopy tree species, such as beech, swamp maire/maire tawake, rimu, kahikatea and tree fushia/kōtukutuku

introduced pests such as rats, possums, goats and pigs impeding the regeneration of the native vegetation, and predators such as stoats and rats preying on native fauna

weed infestation by species such as old man's beard and banana passionfruit, which outcompetes or smothers native vegetation.

Weeds

Climbing vines such as old man's beard and banana passionfruit inhibit growth of native trees through smothering and out-competing the forest. Gorse, broom and Spanish heath is common but it is not likely to persist as native plant regeneration advances, except on the forest edges and natural light gaps where they may prevent native regeneration of shrubby species.

Animal pests

Predatory pests such as feral cats, hedgehogs, possums, rats and stoats eat the eggs and young and attack the adults. They may also outcompete native species by eating their food source, eg insects and lizards, seeds and berries.

Grazers and browsers include goats and deer. Goats in particular are having a large impact on regeneration of native plants. Goats will eat the foliage of most trees and plants and quickly destroy all vegetation within their reach, eating seedlings, saplings and litter-fall off the forest floor.

Pigs can also be a problem, feeding on invertebrates, seeds and seedlings and disturbing the forest floor.

Other resources available

There are other organisations and businesses that you may be able to use to expand your trip:

Anna Crowe - Freshwater Studies
Enviroschools Facilitator & Freshwater Educator for Marlborough District Council
Email: apcrowe@icloud.com
Phone: +64 27 255 9924

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The Pine Valley/Mill Flat area is easily accessible, encompasses several different habitats and has quality accommodation facilities nearby. This site is ideal for groups wanting to study the freshwater and forest environments and to learn about a forest ecosystem and conservation techniques.

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Introduction

Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project comprises approximately 5000 hectares of predominantly red, silver and mountain beech forest. Learn about the project's conservation goals and achievements.

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Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project comprises approximately 5000 hectares of predominantly red, silver and mountain beech forest. Learn about the project's conservation goals and achievements.