Become a Kiwi Guardian - Department of Conservation...1 Welcome to Toyota Kiwi Guardians in Whanganui and Manawatu There are plenty of fun family adventures around the Whanganui and

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Become a Kiwi Guardian

Whanganui and Manawatu

Start your adventureWelcome 1Info for grown-ups 3Regional map 4

Whanganui walks Gordon Park Scenic Reserve 4Ātene Skyline Track 6

Manawatu walks Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge 8Bruce Park Scenic Reserve 10Manawatu Estuary 12Papaitonga Scenic Reserve 14Manawatu Gorge 16Build a wētā motel 34

This book belongs to:

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Welcome to Toyota Kiwi Guardians in Whanganui and ManawatuThere are plenty of fun family adventures around the Whanganui and Manawatu region. Enjoy a day at a clear lake or river surrounded by rugged mountains. Play on the lake edge or take a stroll through a beech forest and listen for native birds. With Toyota Kiwi Guardians you can go on epic nature adventures at over 100 places around the country!

Iwi and hapū have established a special cultural and spiritual relationship with the environment in the Manawatu and Whanganui regions that continues today.

For all the info on each adventure, go to kiwiguardians.co.nz!

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Claim your medalEach Kiwi Guardians adventure has a different medal – see how many you can collect.

On your adventure, look out for the Kiwi Guardians post or plaque. On it you’ll find a special code word unique to that site. Write it down, then go to kiwiguardians.co.nz and tell us the code word to receive a free Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal in the mail!

We could fill the space here with an image of children with medals?

Or more text?

Top: Toyota Kiwi Guardian medals. Photo: Emma Boyd

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Hey grown-ups!

Your safety is your responsibilityFollow the outdoor safety code:• Plan your trip

• Tell someone your plans

• Be aware of the weather

• Know your limits

• Take sufficient supplies

doc.govt.nz/safety

Check out doc.govt.nz for track alerts in your area.

Minimise your impactA Kiwi Guardian looks after the environment and our heritage. You can make a difference in so many ways.

Make sure you:• leave no trace

leavenotrace.org.nz• follow the

Water Care Code doc.govt.nz/care-codes

We'll send you a double-sided certificate for each child in your group, and the group will receive one wooden medal.

The certificate includes redemption information for the guardian of the child, if the child wants their own wooden medal (as per the individual child/parent rewards structure). If a child applies for a medal from home, our standard terms and conditions will apply.

Taking a group?Toyota Kiwi Guardians adventures can easily be incorporated into a school or club group adventure.

When planning an activity, contact us at [email protected] and tell us:

• the number of children undertaking the activity

• the name of the activity

• when you are undertaking the activity.

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LakeTaupo

Otaki

WELLINGTONLOWER HUTT

Featherston

Eketahuna

Pahiatua

Martinborough

GreytownCarterton

MASTERTON

Shannon

FoxtonFoxtonBeach

FeildingBulls

Marton

WHANGANUI

LEVIN

PALMERSTONNORTH

Raetihi

Taihape

Taumarunui

Wairoa

Frasertown

Woodville

Dannevirke

WaipukurauWaipawa

Otane

HASTINGS

NAPIER

Waitara

Lepperton

Inglewood

Stratford

Eltham

NormanbyHawera

Oakura

Opunake

NEW PLYMOUTH

OhakuneWaiouru

Turangi

TAUPO

Wairoa

Frasertown

Murupara

GISBORNE

Te Puke

Edgecumbe

Kawerau

OhopeOpotiki

Waihi

KatikatiTe Aroha

Paeroa

ROTORUA

TAURANGA

WHAKATANE

PutaruruPutaruru

HAMILTON

TOKOROA

Matamata

Cambridge

Te Awamutu

Otorohanga

Te Kuiti

Morrinsville

Huntly

Ngaruawahia

Raglan

Thames

Whangamata

Whitianga

Pukekohe

TuakauWaiuku

Warkworth

Orewa

Helensville

AUCKLAND

Great Barrier Island

(Aotea Island)

Kerikeri

Kaikohe

Dargaville

Mangawhai Heads

Kaitaia

Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua

WHANGAREI

100 km

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Adventure sites 1 Gordon Park Scenic Reserve 2 Atene Skyline Track 3 Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge 4 Bruce Park Scenic Reserve 5 Manawatu Estuary 6 Papaitonga Scenic Reserve 7 Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge

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Kiwi Guardian adventures in Whanganui and the Manawatu

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1. Kiwi Guardians at Gordon Park Scenic Reserve

A hidden patch of forest so close to Whanganui! Cool off in the shade of the tall trees, enjoy the short walking track and see how many plants you can name.

• This forest smells beautiful! What can you smell?

• Shake a branch and call to a fantail/pīwakawaka, it’s lunch time!

• Listen for the ‘whistle’ as the tūī flies past. Can you hear the tūī singing in the trees?

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Whanganui

Difficulty: Easy (wheelchair accessible)

Time: 15 min

Distance: 550 m loop track

Getting there: The reserve is close to Whanganui city on the corner of Kaimatira Road and No.3 Line to the east of SH4. Hop over the stile on Kaimatira Road or drive into the car park further down.

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Claim your Kiwi Guardians medal On your adventure, look out for the Guardian Post. On it you’ll find a special code word – write it down below (but don’t share it!), then go to kiwiguardians.co.nz and claim your medal.

Write your code word here

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Gordon Park Kingdom of plants

1. Take a look at the wall of greenery on the outside of the reserve. The leaves act like solar panels and are tilted to catch the most light!

2. Near the main entrance is a large mataī. Can you see the marks on the bark? Any idea how they got there?

3. What bird calls can you hear? Can you hear the distinctive call of the shining cuckoo?

4. Kahikatea are the tallest trees you can see here. They can live up to 1,000 years!

5. Look up! Can you see plants growing way up high in the branches of the trees? These plants are epiphytes and live up high where there is plenty of sunlight.

6. As you walk around the path you will see thick vines like ropes. This is our native climbing rātā – birds go mad for the flowers!

7. Can you guess why the fragrant fern got its name?

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Whanganui

Check out the kahikatea*, the tallest trees here. They can live for 1,000 years!

*No. 4 on the map

Kahikatea tree. Photo: DOC

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2. Kiwi Guardians on the Atene Skyline Track

Hundreds of years ago, Puketapu Hill stood at the end of a long narrow-necked peninsula, forcing the river to flow in circle around it. Get your boots on and check it out!

• Pack a picnic and head up the track to admire the view.

• See the old course of the Whanganui River.

• Learn about the wonderful native plants here.

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Whanganui

Difficulty: Walking track (lookouttrack) Tramping track (loop track)

Time: 2 hr to lookout (return), return via same track; 6–8 hr for loop track

Distance: 12.3 km

Getting there: Start at the Ātene Viewpoint Walk car park, about 1 km north of the Ātene settlement on the Whanganui River Road. This is the northern entrance of a loop track that has road ends 2 km apart.

SK YLIN E T RACK ••

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Ātene Skyline Track High in the sky!

1. What prickly leaves! Check out the big tōtara tree at the track entrance – how old do you think it is? Imagine living in that if you were a bird… lucky they’re not scared of heights!

2. Ouch! Kawakawa has been used as a healing plant for hundreds of years. Can you spot the heart-shaped leaves?

3. Look at the thick wall of vines of the supplejack. Wouldn’t it be fun to swing through there like Tarzan!? Can you do a Tarzan call?

4. Pretty in pink! Can you see the glades of native begonia/parataniwha, that add a splash of colour to the forest floor? It’s like a carpet for the forest!

5. Imagine breathing through your feet...weird huh? Did you know that pukatea trees can? They have breathing roots out from their trunks and lumps in their bark to absorb oxygen.

6. Feeling tropical? The nīkau palm is the only native palm found in New Zealand. Take a photo with your family and friends. Say nikauuuu!

7. Stay on your feet! Papa rock is a soft sandstone that is slippery when wet. Can you feel it? Even the trees slip and slide here.

8. Even weeds can be good! Underneath the gorse is a great place for native seedlings to grow. Can you see any through the prickles?

9. Spot the manuka trees. Close your eyes and listen. Can you hear any bees? Buzzzzzzzz… bees love feeding on the nectar of mānuka flowers.

10. Got energy to burn? Head up the track to the picnic table for lunch or continue on to the lookout for a view of Puketapu Hill. The hill once stood at the end of a long narrow-necked peninsula, forcing the river around it. Can you see where the river used to flow?

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Whanganui

Did you know that pukatea trees* breathe through their feet!?

Weird huh! They have breathing roots out from their trunks and lumps in their bark to absorb oxygen.

*No. 5 on the map

Senecio Kirki tree daisy growing in A

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3. Kiwi Guardians at Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge

Learn about early logging history and see some breathtaking views on this adventure to Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge.

• Take in amazing views from the car park – how many mountains can you see?

• Which will it be – a day trip or an overnight adventure?

• Keep an eye out for blue duck/whio – will you be lucky enough to see one?

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Manawatu

Difficulty: Easy (walking track – gentle inclines)

Time: 3 hr return via same track, or you could stay overnight in the 8-bunk Heritage Lodge. Bookings are not required for the lodge – first come, first served.

Distance: 4 km return

Getting there: Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge Track starts on Petersons Road, about 15 km from Apiti.

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Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge and Track A hut in the heart of the ranges!

1. Check out the maunga (mountains)! Can you find Mount Ruapehu, Mount Taranaki and Mount Ngauruhoe?

2. To the pond! Splash! What can you find in there? Here’s a tip, look for dragonflies and freshwater inhabitants such as pond skaters and water boatmen.

3. You made it to the old logging track. Can you see where the bulldozers and trucks went? What information can you find on the sign?

4. Welcome to the funky bridge! Are you scared of heights? Stroll over the bridge. How high off the ground do you think you are?

5. Can you see the brightly coloured stoat traps? What colours are they? Fewer predators means more native wildlife! Yay! How many stoat traps can you count along the way?

6. That’s huge! Spot the large beech tree. Beech trees can produce 50 million seeds (250 kg) per hectare!

7. We’ve come to a fork in the track – which way do you go?! Head down to the river by turning left or continue straight to the hut.

8. Can you see any whio? Fossick in the stream to find out what whio eat for lunch. Set up camp or have a picnic next to the Oroua River and discuss your next Kiwi Guardian adventure!

9. Shhh, listen…can you hear what sounds like a squeaky wheelbarrow? That’s probably a friendly tomtit saying hello. Talk back by practising your bird call!

10. You made it! Welcome to Alice Nash Hut. Check out these spectacular views! Take a break and sunbathe on the deck. Then you can stay here and have an overnight adventure.

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Manawatu

Beech tree. Photo: James Mortim

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That’s HUGE!

Spot the large beech tree on the way to the hut* – see if you can wrap your arms around it.

Did you know that, during a heavy seed fall, beech trees can produce 50 million seeds (250 kg!) per hectare? That’s a lot of seeds!

*No. 6 on the map

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4. Kiwi Guardians at Bruce Park Scenic Reserve

Robert Cunningham Bruce, an early conservationist, gifted several patches of forest to the public and this is one of them – good on ya Bruce! Check out the mighty trees – is that a bellbird up there? Stay until dark for a chance to see long-tailed bats!

• See how many types of fungi you can find on the decaying wood – you’ll find more in the autumn.

• Track down the old memorial archway and take a photo underneath it.

• Look up at the huge trees here – can you tell the tōtara, rimu and kahikatea apart?

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Manawatu

Difficulty: Easy (walking track)

Time: 20 min – 1 hr return (figure 8 loop track)

Distance: 1.3 km

Getting there: Bruce Park is 60 km north of Palmerston North. Turn off SH3 onto SH1 in Bulls, then onto Aldworth Road 4 km south of Hunterville. Just past the intersection, on the northern side of the road, there is a small clearing to park your car. Walk to the bush by following the old road.

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Bruce Park – Batland

1. Grab a photo under the old concrete entrance way.

2. Check out the giants of the forest – tōtara, rimu and kahikatea.

3. Listen for the native birds – bellbirds live here.

4. Arrive at night and you might see some long-tailed bats.

5. The large mataī tree has holes in it that were used to collect mataī beer!

6. How many types of fungi can you find on the decaying wood?

7. At the stream, have a fossick under the rocks. Any crayfish?

8. The Guardian Post is in the rātā vines. Remember to get the code!

9. In summer, this is butterfly and dragonfly land!

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Manawatu

Rātā vine growing on Kahikatea. Photo: Tony Lilleby

The Guardian Post* is in the rātā vine. Remember to get the code! *No. 8 on the map

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5. Kiwi Guardians at Manawatu Estuary

Visit the largest estuary in the lower North Island. It’s home to a range of birds and is popular for fishing and whitebaiting!

• Make sure you have binoculars – this is one of the best bird-watching spots in the country!

• Take your bike or scooter – stretch your legs along the Sunset Walk.

• Pack a picnic – there are a lot of great spots.

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Manawatu

Difficulty: Easy (walking track through dunes)

Time: 15–30 min walk to the estuary from car park

Getting there: Manawatu Estuary is at Foxton Beach, 6 km from Foxton on SH1

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Manawatu Estuary Birds on the Beach!

1. You made it! Check out the huge paintings on the corner by the campground! Cool huh? Read the plaque to find out their story.

2. Squish the mud between your fingers. What does it feel like? Can you find any mud snails?

3. It’s time for a sand castle challenge! Who can make the biggest? What can you decorate it with? Does yours have a moat?

4. Did you know on a clear day you can see Kapiti Island from here? Kapiti Island is a huge sanctuary that has been predator-free since 1998. No rats! No stoats! No possums! That’s right, just paradise.

5. Head back to the bollards. The bollards stop beach traffic disturbing the resting godwits. Would you be tired after flying about 11,000 km?

6. Head back the way you came into the spit. Follow the track through the pines. Can you find any pied stilt and spoonbills?

7. Walk down the Sunset Pathway to the lookout. So many birds! A total of 95 bird species have been recorded at the Manawatu Estuary. How many species can you spot?

8. Can you find all the signs about wildlife along this path? What are their Māori names?

9. What can you find under the rocks beside the walkway? Did you know godwits eat crabs?

10. See how far the pathway takes you. Can you make it to the boat club? What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned today?

11. Go back to the playground for a well-deserved play. Feeling hot? Swim in the sea by the surf club! Remember to swim between the flags and slip slop slap and wrap! Woooohoooo!

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Manawatu

Head to the bollards* – they stop beach traffic disturbing the resting godwits. Wouldn't you be tired after flying 11,000 km? That's 13 times the length of the North Island!

Do you know where they flew from? (A_ _ S K A)

*No. 5 on the map.

Resting godwit. Photo: Shellie Evans

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6. Kiwi Guardians at Papaitonga Scenic Reserve

From coastal wetland that’s home to waterfowl and wading birds, to mature, dry terrace forest – Papaitonga Scenic Reserve is a rare habitat and there’s lots to see!

• Take a short stroll to Papaitonga Lookout or a longer walk to Otumuri Lookout.

• I spy with my little eye – how many wetland birds you can spot?

• Get up close to some amazing plants – like the tree with flowers and fruit that grow straight out of the tree trunk!

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Manawatu


Time: Lake walk – 10 min; Otumuri Lookout – 20 min

Distance: up to 1.1 km (to Otumuri Lookout)

Getting there: Papaitonga Scenic Reserve is at the end of Buller Road, off SH1 about 5 km south-west of Levin.

SCENIC RESERVE

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Papaitonga Scenic Reserve Local Treasure

1. Can you hear that? How many different bird calls can you hear? Will they whistle back to you? Can you see any tūī high up in the trees?

2. Some amazing plants grow here. Can you spot the kohekohe tree? Its flowers and fruit grow straight out of the tree trunk.

3. Wooohooo! You made it to the Papaitonga Lookout – how far can you see? Can you spot the two islands? The smaller of the two, Papawharangi was constructed by the Muaūpoko people.

4. Gently touch the soft mosses growing on the tree trunks. How many different types can you see?

5. Check out that rocky stream! Are any little creatures swimming around? Look closely, and be patient – you’ll see something soon.

6. ‘Powelliphanta’. How many times can you say that in a row? It is a giant native land snail that feeds on worms. It is easier to spot at night or when it has been raining.

7. Let’s go fungi hunting. Can you spot the bright orange or whitish-brown fungi on some trees?

8. Woah! Tawa forests are cool! Look at the amazing shapes of the trees.

9. Which way will you go? The short loop or the long loop? Head to Otumuri Lookout.

10. What a view from Otumuri Lookout! Take some binoculars and see how many wetland birds you can spot.

Here’s a tip: When you head back, go the opposite way around the loop.

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Manawatu

Giant land snail/Powelliphanta. Photo: Kathrin and Stefan Marks

‘Powelliphanta’* – how many times can you say that in a row?

It is a giant land snail that feeds on worms. They are easier to spot at night or when it has been raining.

*No. 6 on the map

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7. Kiwi Guardians at Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge

An adventure thousands of years in the making! Manawatu Gorge was made when the river carved out a route through a mountain range. Now it’s a great place to spot New Zealand falcons/kārearea, glow worms at night and crayfish/kōura in the stream. You might even find a perfect hiding spot in a hollow tōtara!

On the Tawa Loop Track:• Experience the beauty and wildness of

our native forest.

• Look out for the nīkau and the crazy tree!

• Listen out for the native bellbirds and falcons as you walk along.

• Take in the view at Tom’s Lookout and at the lookout over the ‘Big slip’ − it’s awesome!

• Come face to face with the sculpture of Whatonga − an ancient warrior who stands guard over the forest.

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Manawatu


Time: 2 hr

Distance: 4.1 km loop

Getting there: The Tawa Loop Track starts at the western end of the Manawatu Gorge Track, 12 km east of Palmerston North on SH3.

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Te Apiti – Manuawatu Gorge Reserve Tawa Loop Track – A GORGEous Spot

1. Look for the kōura in the stream. At night you can see glow worms!

2. Climb up to Tom’s Lookout – worth the effort for the great views.

3. Bellbirds and New Zealand falcons can be heard in the forest.

4. Find a crazy-looking tree!

5. The Guardian Post at the statue of Whatonga. Get the code!

6. Climb inside the hollow tōtara tree for a great hiding place

7. Check out the views over the White Horse Rapids.

8. Relax in the peaceful Nikau Palm Grove.

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Manawatu

Tom’s Lookout* is worth the effort – amazing views of the ‘Big slip’!

*No. 2 on the map.

Looking toward the Manawatu G

orge. Photo: J.R. Lythgoe

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Tell us about it!Have you snapped pictures of some cool critters, or taken part in an epic Kiwi Guardians adventure? Post your photos on our Facebook page or share them with us on social media using the hashtag #KiwiGuardians.

Top: #KiwiGuardians. Photo: Facebook page

Ready for action?Did you enjoy your adventure? Want to take the next step? You can also earn Kiwi Guardian Action Medals by carrying out conservation activities at home. Become a Tree Planter, a Wildlife Protector or learn how to build a wētā motel. On the next page is one of the activities you can do.

Visit kiwiguardians.co.nz for the rest of the activities and to claim your Action Medals!

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Build a wEtA ‘motel’!Earn a Kiwi Guardians Action Medal by creating a wētā motel in your backyard. It's a home for wētā to crawl into, to protect them from being eaten by introduced predators like rats, stoats, cats and hedgehogs.

New Zealand has more than 70 species of wētā, from small ground wētā to wētā that can be heavier than a mouse! Wētā have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, and only exist in New Zealand. Many wētā species are now threatened or endangered, so it’s very important we look after them.

About wētā motels• Wētā live in holes but there

really aren’t that many holes in trees. That’s why wētā dig under stones or chew through rotten logs to make their homes.

• Wētā motels are no-fuss homes for wētā. They find one, crawl in and relax. You can place a wētā motel in a tree, under a tree and even on a fence post.

• Female wētā lay 100–300 eggs, so if you build a home they like, their numbers will grow!

Giant wētā. Photo: Sabine Bernert34

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Explore your backyardExplore your garden to see if you have some wētā already. What kind of wētā like to live in your area?

Think about what would make a great wētā home – this will help you work out where to put your wētā motel.

Build a 3-star wētā motelA 3-star wētā motel is simple and fun to make. Experiment! Wētā don’t care if it’s a bit wonky!

• Start with a small log and saw it in half (ask an adult to help).

• Chisel out the wētā gallery and drill an entrance tunnel. A tunnel 18 mm or slightly smaller is best to stop mice getting in (10 mm is too small). The tunnel should be quite long and sloping down from the top or the side.

• Nail or bind the two halves together and nail a roof on.

• Hang or tie the motel in a tree in a shady spot at about eye level, out of reach of rats or mice.

Want a 5-star upgrade for your wētā, or some handy hints on making your motel? Go to kiwiguardians.co.nz

Claim your Kiwi Guardians medal Once you’ve built your wētā motel, go to kiwiguardians.co.nz and tell us all about it. We’ll send you Kiwi Guardians Habitat Creator medal!

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Published by: Department of Conservation, Auckland Office, Carlaw Park 12–16 Nicholls Lane, Parnell, Auckland 1145, New Zealand Editing and design: Creative Services, Conservation House, Wellington May 2019

This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests.

There’s a beautiful country just waiting to be explored. Best of all, you’re already in it! If you love nature and love

having fun, get into Toyota Kiwi Guardians.

Get ready! Earn your medal!

Go online to find the adventure maps

Get out and explore! Enter your details online for a medal

Go!

kiwiguardians.co.nz

get kids into nature

Documents

Become a Kiwi Guardian - Department of Conservation...1 Welcome to Toyota Kiwi Guardians in Whanganui and Manawatu There are plenty of fun family adventures around the Whanganui and