To celebrate Conservation Week we have asked DOC staff to share with us their favourite local conservation spot. Today, Ranger Erana Stevens, introduces us to Waitomo’s Ruakuri Bush Walk.
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In April, 11-year-old Summer Jubb tackled the mighty Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park after her family won the experience as part of DOC’s involvement in the Venture Southland campaign.
Summer and her dad conquered the whole track in some challenging weather. Her mum, Mel, plus younger sisters, 9-year-old Poppy and 6-year-old Bella, met up with them at Luxmore Hut and Moturau Huts during their adventure.
Summer writes:
Let me tell you about my experiences on the ridges and valleys of the Kepler Track.
Summer high up on the Kepler Track
The first day was so much up hill — it just kept going up, up, up. About three quarters of the way up there were limestone boulders. They were so high and huge that it made me feel very small.
Walking, up, up and up!
The bearded forest (that’s what we called it) was amazing— there were drips of moss hanging off the trees that looked like a beards.
When we finally got to Luxmore Hut we were exhausted, but we still had enough energy to go for a 10 minute walk to the Luxmore Caves. They are amazing! Then I found out that food is really, really good when you are cold and hungry.
Family photo on the Kepler Track
I think the second day was the best. It was first up hill then in the alpine and ridges of the mountains. I loved the part when you are on the top lookout, when you can see everything below you. When there is an hour and a half to go it is all down, down, down. There are 97 switch backs and 24 stoat traps to count along the way. Finally there was Iris Burn Hut. There is a river just by the hut that you can go swimming in, it is quite cold though. As well as the river there is an amazing waterfall that’s 20 minutes away from the hut.
Along a ridge on the Kepler Track
Thankfully, the third day is all flat. There were these gorgeous purple mushrooms along the way. At Moturau hut there is a lake that is just warm enough to swim in and cool down your feet.
A misty valley
I loved all my experiences on the great four day walk known as the Kepler Track. It was awesome to do with my family.
By Caroline Carter, Ranger – Community Relations, Te Anau.
It is a rainy weekend – but it can’t be raining underground – so we grab some friends which include two geologists, two cave guiders, three five year olds and a couple of nervous mums and head to Clifden Caves!
At the entrance to Clifden Caves
This experience blows your mind! It’s amazing in there.
The Clifden Caves provide a natural habitat for the glow worm
We are fully equipped and made sure we have given our intentions to our families before heading off.
We were fully equipped for cave exploring.
The Clifden Caves are one of only a few cave systems in Southland. The DOC reflector triangles help guide our way. There are places to crawl, pools of water to walk around, and luckily two ladders to assist with an assent and descent.
Exploring the cave
It’s amazing – a challenge – but the kids loved it and we will definitely be going back again.
After the great exploration
Why not go explore Clifden Caves for yourself? You can find out more on the DOC website.