• /
    • Archives /
  • 30/11/1999

Archives For 30/11/1999

Photo of the week: Heaphy Track reopens

Department of Conservation —  07/05/2014

The Heaphy Track, closed since Easter due to storm damage, reopened on Monday.

The recent storm caused extensive tree windfall forcing the closure of the track and delaying the start of its winter mountain biking season.

Riding along the coast on the Heaphy Track. Photo: Jono/Squid faced boy.

A big effort has gone in over the past two weeks to clear fallen trees on the Heaphy Track with extra staff being brought in to speed up the clean-up.

With the reopening of the track the mountain bike season is now underway and runs until the 30 September.

Hut bookings can be made and more information found on what to expect and what to take when biking the Heaphy Track on the DOC website.

Photo by Jono | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

In Great Walks, Photo of the week , , , , , ,
permalink

Photo of the week: Biking the Heaphy Track

Department of Conservation —  23/10/2013

Today’s photo of the week is from the Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi National Park.

A three year trial of winter mountain biking on the Heaphy Track has recently finished. The subsequent Kahurangi National Park mountain biking trial 2011-2013 report supports mountain biking continuing.

Biking on the Heaphy Track.

The Heaphy Track passes through diverse landscapes, from beautiful beech forest to expansive tussock grasslands, to lush forests, nikau palms and roaring seas.

It’s a tough ride, and not to be underestimated. It requires advanced mountain biking skills, being ranked Grade 4 rising to Grade 5/expert in wet or otherwise difficult riding conditions.

It takes 2 – 3 days to ride (4 – 6 days to walk) depending on fitness, skills and conditions.

This photo was taken by Jono B.

Related links:

In Great Walks, Photo of the week , , , , , , ,
permalink

There’s something fishy in the air….

Department of Conservation —  24/09/2013

As a result of a successful first year of partnership, DOC and Air New Zealand last night announced an extension to the relationship with an exciting new venture into New Zealand’s rich and complex marine environment.

Snorkeller at Cape Rodney, Okakari Point Marine Reserve. Photo: Brian Mackie © DOC use only.

Snorkeller at Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve
Photo: Brian Mackie ©

New Zealand is an island nation and the marine environment is a quintessential part of our way of life—think of camping by the sea, swimming and diving in clean water with rich sea life, recreational fishing and spending quality time with the whanau.

Kayakers exploring Te Whanganui-a-hei (Cathedral Cove). Photo: Rob Suisted © | naturespic.com | DOC USE ONLY.

Kayakers exploring Te Whanganui-a-hei (Cathedral Cove)
Photo: Rob Suisted ©

Air New Zealand’s support will allow us to expand our marine monitoring programme in marine reserves, providing vital research into species population numbers. They will also promote these reserves, highlighting the important role marine environments play in our kiwi lifestyle.

Jewel anemones in the Kapiti Marine Reserve. Photo: Danica Stent.

Jewel anemones in the Kapiti Marine Reserve
Photo: Danica Stent

Marine reserves attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and include a network of iconic destinations from the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve off the coast of Northland to Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve located around Stewart Island/Rakiura in the south.

Our partnership with Air New Zealand has already delivered fabulous results for conservation, with over 500 endangered animals relocated, four new biodiversity projects established, and a significant increase in people experiencing New Zealand’s Great Walks. We’re now looking forward to getting our new marine venture sailing!

“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century is beginning to realise that, in order to survive, he must protect it.” – Jacques-Yves Cousteau

In Marine , , ,
permalink

We’d like you to get out and walk!

Department of Conservation —  10/09/2013

Today we’re sharing Air New Zealand’s blog post from The Flying Social Network. 

Like most New Zealanders, we’re proud of our natural environment. We’re even in awe of it.

We should probably spend less time talking about nature and more time actually wandering through it and breathing it all in. In that spirit, Air New Zealand has joined forces with the Department of Conservation to preserve and protect some of our country’s most inspiring natural locations.

fairy-conservation-week

So with all of that said to celebrate Conservation Week between 8 – 15 September we are supporting the Department of Conservation and encouraging New Zealanders to get outdoors and get amongst nature.

Over 130 Air New Zealand employees between Auckland and Wellington are pledging their support for Conservation Week and will ‘Get out and walk’ at some of their favourite spots.

Our partnership with DOC focuses on supporting conservation biodiversity projects in the vicinity of the Great Walks, and also promotes the Great Walks – We’re helping to preserve and enhance these unique places that every Kiwi should try to experience in their lifetime. Why not make a Great Walks pledge for Conservation Week?

You can visit the Conservation Week website for more information and all the action and keep a close eye on Air New Zealand’s social media channels. Word has it that the Air New Zealand Fairy has some conservation themed goodies to give away!

In Conservation Week 2013 , , , , ,
permalink

Visiting Abel Tasman National Park

Department of Conservation —  30/07/2013

Today we’re sharing Harold Dillon’s blog post about his visit to Abel Tasman National Park. With beautiful images and video I’m sure you’ll be inspired. Enjoy!

In Great Walks, Nelson/Marlborough, Recreation , ,
permalink