Native Hedgerows and Crater Rims

Today we hopped in the gator waka and met the sweetest kiwi couple, Malcome and Pauline, to witness and learn about the importance of planting native plants in your own yard. Pauline and Malcome were the first in their area to plant native hedgerows and have set an example for the community. By planting natives, they will attract other native wildlife and allow for a more biodiverse ecosystem within the area.  Both Pauline and Malcome were so kind and knowledgeable about vegetation native to New Zealand and were so generous to offer us tea, coffee, and delicious cakes in their home. Malcome was especially inspiring when sharing his ideas on animal treatment when he said "animals can teach us a lot, you just have to remember to look at them."

Pauline shows us her Lancewood trees.

Teatime with Pauline and Malcome in their home.

Malcom speaks with us about their native hedgerows..

Afterwards, we visited the Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum. It was so neat to see the contrast in the Maori artifacts and the items made and brought by European settlers. The museum had much to see from colonial housing to Maori canoes.  We even got to see stuffed Huia, a native bird that went extinct in 1908; there are only a few available to see in the world and the Okains Bay museum had four!

Lawson with Maori wakas.

Lumberjack Paulita

Paula with a native kunekune.

Niko in front of a Marae and old colonial buildings.

Then, we took a scenic drive around the crater rim. BUT we got caught in traffic, and by traffic I mean that we were stopped by a herd of sheep (only in NZ). We stopped at the beach and were able to explore a cave! We even saw two Hector's dolphin out swimming in the Pacific.  Our last stop was at the Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve where the class hiked a short, but steep and slippery incline to see the largest totara tree in the south island. It is said to be 2,000 years old!

Baes at the beach

Largest lowland totara - measures 8.5 meters around!

There is no way I could ever get used to the New Zealand landscape. It overwhelms me everyday with its beauty and uniqueness.

Just wanted to give a quick shout out to my family and friends keeping up with our adventure! I am so grateful to be here and your love and support means so much.
With a lot of love and a very happy heart,
Christina