Richard Louv is a journalist, author and leader of a international movement aimed at connecting children and their families to nature. Watch his recent seminar in Wellington.
Continue Reading...Archives For 30/11/1999
Based near Wanaka, Camilla Rutherford grabbed some mates and escaped its busyness during the festive season.
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New Zealand’s red mistletoe, Peraxilla tetrapetala, one of nine mistletoe species native to New Zealand.
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The Palais du Roi de Rome in Rambouillet, near Paris, was built for the son of Emperor Napoleon more than 200 years ago.
It may not be the most likely place to find floors full of New Zealand’s endemic biodiversity but, nevertheless, there it is—nine rooms, two floors, over 200 m² of kākāpō, kiwi, kakī…
Juvenile kakī
The multimedia exhibition, Aotearoa New Zealand, the Protectors of the Lost Ark, has been at the French palace for the past few weeks (finishing September 28).
It is the culmination of years of work by French writer / photographer Sabine Bernert, who wanted to “show the fascinating and rich endemic biodiversity of New Zealand and celebrate the tireless dedication of its protectors”.
Will Batson with long-tailed bat
The exhibition includes 93 stunning pictures, 20 illustrated posters, and a 17 minute film with interviews.
Morepork
Sabine, who has also been running special guided tours of the exhibition for schools, tells us that French audiences are captivated:
“People love it and are very surprised to discover these aspects of New Zealand, far from the rugby and the sheep!”
Marlborough green gecko
Sabine worked closely with DOC while creating this exhibition (a big shout out to Ros Cole and Les Moran in particular) and we’re excited to be so beautifully represented.
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- Harlequin gecko
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- Whio
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- Takahē
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- Kākāpō
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- Weka
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- Kākāriki
Surely the Palais du Roi de Rome has never experienced such remarkable treasures before.
The Palais du Roi de Rome
The exhibition inside the Palais du Roi de Rome
Yellow-eyed penguin / hoiho
Over the next month we’re going to be introducing you to the Manaaki Trails – a new set of guided walks in some of New Zealand’s most special places.
The Manaaki Trails take you through beautiful and culturally important spots in New Zealand, but without the hassles of traditional tramping/hiking. No more heavy packs, soggy maps or cold baked beans for dinner – the Manaaki Trails include expert guides, full catering and cosy accommodation. They’re a great option if you’re looking for an outdoors adventure but enjoy a glass of wine and a hot shower at the end of the day.
Manaaki Trails also let you get to know New Zealand just that bit better, with local guides sharing their knowledge with you along the track. The trails are underpinned by the traditional Maori value of Manaaki, which means to support, take care of and give hospitality to visitors.
Maori values – Manaaki
We’ll be sharing more about Manaaki Trails over the coming weeks, but today we thought we’d introduce you to the four places that currently operate Manaaki Trails:
Queen Charlotte Track – Marlborough
Enjoy unsurpassed views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, comfortable accommodation, and gourmet cuisine, on the spectacular Queen Charlotte Track in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.
Hollyford Track – Fiordland National Park
Follow the Hollyford River, from the mountains to the sea, while enjoying first-rate cuisine, knowledgeable guides, personal service and comfortable private lodges.
Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track – Fiordland
This 3 day loop takes you along the south coast of New Zealand up to the sub alpine Hump Ridge zone, over historic viaducts in the heart of native forest, and home to comfortable back-country lodges.
Rangitoto Motutapu Haerenga – Auckland
Discover the cultural and spiritual significance that has shaped the ancient landscape of Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands on a one day guided walk.
More information about the Manaaki Trails can be found on the DOC website.
