• /
    • Archives /
  • 30/11/1999

Archives For 30/11/1999

New Matiu/Somes Interactive Tour online

Matt Barnett —  26/07/2010

Noticed that little island in the middle of Wellington Harbour? Not sure whether it’s worth a visit? Didn’t even know you could go there?

Matiu/Somes Island, Wellington Harbour.

Matiu/Somes Island, Wellington Harbour

Well Matiu/Somes Island Scientific and Historic Reserve is open to the public 364 days of the year. Now with the Matiu/Somes Interactive Tour you can check it out before you go! 

Matiu/Somes Island lighthouse

Matiu/Somes Island lighthouse

Before I joined the Department of Conservation I wasn’t sure what the deal was with Matiu/Somes Island. One person told me there were heaps of lizards and a lighthouse – not much else. But then I didn’t have the benefit of the interactive tour to get a taste of what’s really there.  

I know I’m the Wellington community relations ranger, and I don’t use this word lightly, but Matiu is an AWESOME place with a lot more to see than just lizards and a lighthouse! You can see for yourself by following the link and having a virtual wander around to glimpse some of the things that make it such an important place for helping to conserve some of our endangered species, habitats and historic heritage. 

The historic caretakers cottage

The historic caretakers cottage

The team at Beek developed the Matiu/Somes Virtual Tour using 360° panoramic views to maximise the interactive experience, allowing you to ‘stop’ at the click of a button and look all around at some of the views and features, explore information panels and discover some ‘hidden’ attractions, including Wellington’s iconic little blue penguin and the gentle giant weta – one of the world’s heaviest insects.  

Blue penguin

Blue penguin

You can even enter some of the buildings to explore and get a real sense of some of the island’s history. See if you can spot the World War II anti-aircraft gun… 

Now if you’re a bit of a natural cynic like me you might be thinking why do I need to bother going to the island if I can see it all from the (relative) comfort of my own chair? Well, for a start you don’t get to take the Dominion Post Ferry ride (look out for feeding penguins on the way) or meet the friendly island rangers – who are always happy to answer questions and spin you a yarn or two about island life. 

You can also stay the night on the island in one of two houses available to rent or at the campsite, dotted with majestic cabbage trees with a stunning view down the gully towards the southern part of the harbour. Another thing you can’t do online is take a nightwalk where you’re almost guaranteed to see penguins and if you’re lucky and very quiet a tuatara or two – the only surviving reptile of an order that roamed the earth 200 million years ago. Tuatara are also regularly seen in the daytime, along with a host of other animals including seven species of skink and gecko and many people’s favourite – the chattering red-crowned parakeet (kakariki). 

Tuatara

Tuatara

Tempted to take a trip over? 

For more information check out Matiu/Somes Island on the DOC website.

In Animal pests, Historic, Native animals, Native plants, Recreation, Wellington/Kapiti
permalink

Mt Tarawera Eruption Commemoration

Rob Griffiths —  10/06/2010
Rosy Tin Teacaddy - Rainbow Mountain

Rosy Tin Teacaddy - Rainbow Mountain

As reported in a previous post – Rosy Tin Teacaddy are to play at the Tarawera Commemoration evening on Saturday 12th June 2010.

Billy Earl & Betty Grey are the creative geniuses behind the indie-folk band, Rosy Tin Teacaddy. As apart of the Wild creations programme they have come up with the inspiring idea of creating a new collection of songs based on their experiences, the land, and the people and stories of Tarawera.

The Wild Creations residency programme is a partnership between Creative NZ (Provides the funding) and the Department of Conservation (Host the artists) allowing great folks like Billy & Betty the opportunity to get away from it all and do what they do best – create!

The commemoration of the Tarawera eruption is run annually at the Buried Village on the first weekend following the anniversay (10th June 1886).

Buried Village Eruption Commemoration
Saturday 12th June 7pm – 9pm

Bookings essential by calling: 07 362 8287

The evening involves a couple of presentations by Anne Summerville (Rotorua Museum) and Phil Andrews (Historian/Author). Also, a special appearance by Rosy Tea Tincaddy (Billy Earl & Betty Grey) from the DOC/Creative New Zealand Wild Creations programme. They will be playing a number of their tracks that have been created during there stay in the area.

This will be a great chance to see them live. But don’t despair if Saturday doesn’t work for you. They are planning a gig during there final stay in the area (Rotorua) in August which all will be welcome. Details to come.

Hope to see you there!

In Bay of Plenty, Historic
permalink

Nga Haerenga – New Zealand Cycle Trail Project

Dave Conley —  26/05/2010

Preparations are really cranking up for the opening of the first stage in the new Ruapehu – Whanganui trails cycleway.

The Hapuawhenua viaduct, with the old viadict in the background. Photo: Natures Pic/Rob Suisted.

The Hapuawhenua viaduct, with the old viadict in the background. Photo: Natures Pic/Rob Suisted.

DOC staff from around the sheer awesomeness that is Mount Ruapehu, plus a few colleagues from far and wide (cheers Connie and Erana 🙂 ) are furiously planning for what we hope will be one of the peaks of the local calendar. We’ve even managed to encourage Prime Minister John Key to come along, as well as the Minister for Conservation, Kate Wilkinson, so we are looking to have a great day.

DOC staff installing one of the many interpretation pieces to be found on the track.

DOC staff installing one of the many interpretation pieces to be found on the track.

The cycleway is part of Nga Haerenga, the National cycleway project, and is the first of the quick-start projects to open, so we are bigging it up to the local DOC trackies, and their teams who have made it happen. When the first cyclist rubber hits the track, (and by that I mean their tyres not their trousers!) they will love the experience that awaits them. The Ohakune Old Coach Road section of the track will open on July 2, and offers a great family ride back through one of the most significant sites in the history of the New Zealand railway. That’s not to say it’s only for the train-spotters either, everyone can enjoy the scenery, stories and sounds of Southern Ruapehu.

One of the tunnels on the trail which can be explored by visitors.

One of the tunnels on the trail which can be explored by visitors.

It’s going to be a huge community day, so come and celebrate with us. Bring your bike and your lycra and get on it!

Links

In Central North Island, Historic, Manawatu/Wanganui, Recreation
permalink

Tarawera’s Tin Teacaddy

Rob Griffiths —  15/04/2010

Billy Earl and Betty Grey

Rosy Tin Teacaddy rolled into Rotorua a few weeks ago in a Toyota jammed full of chaos, for the first of their Wild Creations residencies. Billy Earl & Betty Grey are the creative geniuses behind the indie-folk band, Rosy Tin Teacaddy. As apart of the Wild creations programme they have come up with the inspiring idea of creating a new collection of songs based on their experiences, the land, and the people and stories of Tarawera.    

The Wild Creations residency programme is a partnership between Creative NZ (Provides the funding) and the Department of Conservation (Host the artists) allowing great folks like Billy & Betty the opportunity to get away from it all and do what they do best – create!   

Sunrise over Tarawera

During their latest stay they have been out and about researching the area by day, visiting local ‘hot spots’ and catching up with locals etc. By night they can be found at their humble abode writing & playing. All this mixed in with numerous cups of tea of course!    

According to Billy & Betty this first stint has mainly been dedicated to devising their stage show, which is playing at BATS theatre May 19 to 22. “The show and the album project have become parts of the same thing. The show is almost the springboard into the project as a whole” comments Andy.    

“On our next visit to the area we are hoping to coincide the dates with the anniversary of the Mt Tarawera eruption (10th June 1886). Some may say that this is a great coincidence. I believe that it is somewhat serendipitous” says Betty.    

“We are hoping to throw together a special anniversary gig for the locals come June”    

Creating the night away…

Stay posted on the latest escapades by checking their blog site: http://rosytinteacaddy.wordpress.com/
Become a Rosy Tin Teacaddy Facebook Fan
If you’re in Wellington don’t miss the show at BATS: 19th – 22nd May 2010
And, stay tuned for updates on a special Tarawera Anniversary gig in Rotorua! 
Wild Creations on the DOC website

In Bay of Plenty, Historic , , , , , , , , ,
permalink

A different kind of gold mining

Katrina Knill —  27/10/2009

Whilst debate rages about opening up more conservation land for mining, our local team have been restoring gold mining relics in the Kaimai’s and working with the local councils and communities to help them mine the tourist dollar.

Continue Reading...
In Bay of Plenty, Historic, Recreation, Walking/hiking/tramping , ,
permalink