Rangitoto is a shield cone volcano that emerged from the sea off the coast of what is now Auckland, only 600 years ago. We took a ferry to the island today, and hiked from the wharf to a kidney fern forest, then the summit, and finally through some lava caves. Read more…
Landcare Research is more than simply an ecological or scientific organization. Their goal is “to both protect and enhance the land environment and grow the country’s prosperity.” They have a Maori elder and one of their lead researchers greeted us with a Maori song. This is a whole different way Read more…
Another day in Kauri forest, but today it was more of a rainforest rather than temperate woods. It seemed damper and mossier. There were a number of Kauri with fused trunks. Stan said there were more active measures being taken against possums. We saw trees set upon by fungi and Read more…
Hard to talk about beginnings without reflecting back on everything that has come before, but the Maori tell us not to rush, for we are already exactly where we need to be. I spoke at length with Stan on one of our getting lost rambles about this idea. Why is Read more…
So long 2012. I feel like I should sum up the year, but I won’t. Because my only New Year’s resolution is to do more of what I know I must, rather than sweating what I suspect I should. Today I saw one of the oldest living creatures on the Read more…
The sounds of this place. Really, the birds. And so much green. The farm land is so beautiful—though it has taken over what was once prairie. Today, we drove north from Auckland toward the northwest coast and the great Kauri trees of the Waipoua forest. These trees can grow for Read more…
So, one of the girls in our group was fined $400 for trying to bring a banana into the country. This is a true thing that happened. She forgot it was in the bottom of her backpack, did not declare it, and when it was discovered via x-ray she had Read more…