Snow falling at Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre is today’s photo of the week.
The snow showed up around the country last week just in time for the arrival of the school holidays—the busiest two weeks of the ski season.
The snowy and icy conditions have affected some of the tracks in the Fiordland National Park, so if you are planning on visiting please check the latest Fiordland alerts.
Photo by Caroline Carter, Partnerships Ranger.
Today’s photo of the week is of two humpback whales and a pod of dusky dolphins travelling near the Kaikoura Coast.
The Department of Conservation is currently conducting a research project that monitors the northern migration of humpback whales through the Cook Strait. This will be the eleventh annual Cook Strait Whale Survey.
The survey aims to determine how humpback whales are recovering since whaling ended. The survey has already recorded 33 humpback whales and 1 blue whale.
This photo was taken by Rob Pine.
It’s National Volunteer Week (15-21 June 2014) and we want to honour all those who volunteer for conservation.
Today’s photo of the week is of volunteers tending to a pod of stranded pilot whales at Puponga on Farewell Spit.
The photo is courtesy of the voluntary organisation Project Jonah New Zealand.
“Our strength comes from our volunteers; everyday Kiwis that give up their time to help marine mammals through our rescue, action and protection programs. Whether they’re picking up litter on beaches or getting hands on in rescuing stranded whales, they’re out there helping.” ~ Project Jonah
– Find out about conservation opportunities for volunteers on the DOC website
Today’s photo of the week is of a curious takahē making new friends during a sunny day at the beach.
This photo was taken by Peter Harrison at Tiritiri Matangi Island, a wildlife sanctuary and one of the most important conservation projects in the Auckland region.
November marks the 65th anniversary of the rediscovery of the takahē in 1948. Previously takahē were assumed extinct but were rediscovered by Geoffrey Orbell near Lake Te Anau in the Murchison Mountains.
To celebrate this anniversary November has been chosen as Mitre 10 Takahē Rescue Month. To find out more about the planned celebrations visit the Mitre 10 Takahe Rescue Facebook page.
We’re acknowledging the appointment of the Guardians of the Lakes this week with a peaceful image of Lake Te Anau at dawn.
Lake Te Anau is set against the amazing mountain backdrop of the Fiordland National Park. The lake is used for all kinds of water recreation activities, including boating, fishing and kayaking.
The Guardians of Lakes Manapouri, Monowai and Te Anau report annually to the Government on matters arising from the environmental, ecological and social impacts on the lakes.
Photo by Beppie K/flickr, used under Creative Commons license.
