Toyota Kiwi Guardians in Whanganui and Manawatu

Become a Kiwi Guardian Whanganui and Manawatu

This book belongs to:

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

Whanganui walks Gordon Park Scenic Reserve 4 Ātene Skyline Track 6

Manawatu walks Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge 8 Bruce Park Scenic Reserve 10 Manawatu Estuary 12 Papaitonga Scenic Reserve 14 Manawatu Gorge 16 Build a wētā motel 34 Welcome to Toyota Kiwi Guardians in Whanganui and Manawatu

There 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!

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

Or more text?

Claim your medal Each Kiwi Guardians adventure has a different medal – see how many you Top: Toyota Kiwi Guardian medals. can collect. Photo: Emma Boyd

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!

2 Hey grown-ups! Taking a group? We'll send you a double-sided Toyota Kiwi Guardians certificate for each child in adventures can easily be your group, and the group will incorporated into a school receive one wooden medal. or club group adventure. The certificate includes When planning an activity, redemption information for the contact us at guardian of the child, if the child [email protected] wants their own wooden medal and tell us: (as per the individual child/ parent rewards structure). If a • the number of children child applies for a medal from undertaking the activity home, our standard terms and • the name of the activity conditions will apply. • when you are undertaking the activity.

Your safety is your Minimise your impact responsibility A Kiwi Guardian looks after Follow the outdoor the environment and our safety code: heritage. You can make a difference in so many ways. • Plan your trip • Tell someone your plans Make sure you: • leave no trace • Be aware of the weather leavenotrace.org.nz • Know your limits • follow the • Take sufficient supplies Water Care Code doc.govt.nz/care-codes doc.govt.nz/safety

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

3 Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua

Kaitaia 10

Kerikeri 1

Kaikohe 12 1

WHANGAREI

Dargaville

Mangawhai Heads Great Barrier 12 Island (Aotea Island) 1

Warkworth

16 1

Orewa

Helensville

25 AUCKLAND Whitianga

Thames Pukekohe Waiuku 25 Whangamata Tuakau 2 2 26 25 Paeroa Waihi 27 1 Te Aroha Huntly Katikati

Ngaruawahia Morrinsville 2 26 TAURANGA 27 Raglan Te Puke 23 HAMILTON Matamata 29 35 2 Cambridge 1 33 WHAKATANE 35 Te Awamutu Edgecumbe Ohope Opotiki 31 Putaruru 5 3 30 Kawerau Otorohanga 1 ROTORUA 2 TOKOROA 5 Te Kuiti 30

38 Murupara 2 3 30 1 5 35 4

32 TAUPO

43 Lake GISBORNE Taupo Taumarunui 41 1 Kiwi Guardian adventures 5 3 41 38 Waitara Turangi in Whanganui and the Manawatu Frasertown NEW PLYMOUTH Lepperton 4 2 47 Oakura 46 Wairoa 3 43 45 Inglewood 2

Stratford 5 1 Eltham Opunake Raetihi Ohakune 3 49 Waiouru Normanby 45 NAPIER Hawera 1 Taihape HASTINGS 2 4 3 50 2 4 3 1 WHANGANUI 1 Otane Waipawa Adventure sites 3 Waipukurau Marton 2 1 Gordon Park Scenic Reserve 54 2 Atene Skyline Track Bulls Feilding Dannevirke 3 Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge 3 1 7 4 Bruce Park Scenic Reserve Woodville 5 5 Manawatu Estuary 56 PALMERSTON Foxton NORTH 6 Papaitonga Scenic Reserve Beach Foxton Pahiatua 57 2 7 Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge Shannon

6 LEVIN Eketahuna

Otaki 1 2

MASTERTON Carterton 2 Greytown 1 Featherston 53 LOWER HUTT Martinborough WELLINGTON

100 km 4 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?

5 Whanganui

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

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 Visit Whanganui Photo: 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. Right: Park. Gordon Nir Ketraru Photo: Left: Fantail.

6 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?

7 Whanganui

tea tree. P ika ho h to a : Check out the kahikatea*, K D O the tallest trees here. They can C live for 1,000 years!

*No. 4 on the map

8 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.

9 Whanganui

– Claim your • TENE •• •• A •• •• • • •• • • • • Kiwi Guardians medal • • • • • • • • • •

• •

• • • • On your adventure, look out for the

• •

• • •

• Guardian Post. On it you’ll find a special •

S • K K C code word – write it down below (but don’t Y A LIN E T R share it!), then go to kiwiguardians.co.nz and claim your medal.

Write your code word here

Difficulty: Walking track (lookout track) 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. Left: Andy Maloney Nīkau palms. Photo: DOC Photo: Right: Skyline Track.

10 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? 11 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

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12 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?

13 Manawatu

Claim your SH M NA EM E OR C I IA Kiwi Guardians medal L L A • • • • • • • • •

•

• On your adventure, look out for the •

• •

•

• H E K Guardian Post. On it you’ll find a special R C I A T R A T code word – write it down below (but don’t G E D LODGE AN share it!), then go to kiwiguardians.co.nz and claim your medal.

Write your code word here

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. Right: Sabine duck. Blue/Whio Bernert Photo: Photo: DOC Photo: Left: landscape. Surrounding

14 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.

15 Manawatu

ree. Pho h t to: c Ja ee m That’s HUGE! B e s M

o r Spot the large beech tree on the way t i

m e

to the hut* – see if you can r 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

16 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?

17 Manawatu

Write your code word here

Getting there: Bruce Park is Difficulty: Easy 60 km north of Palmerston (walking track) North. Turn off SH3 onto Time: 20 min – 1 hr return SH1 in Bulls, then onto (figure 8 loop track) Aldworth Road 4 km south of Hunterville. Just past the Distance: 1.3 km 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. Photo: HK NZ HK Photo: walkway. Park Bruce

18 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!

19 Manawatu

o ine gr wing v on tā K ā a The Guardian Post* is in the R h ik a rātā vine. Remember to get t e

. the code! P

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*No. 8 on the map o :

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20 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.

21 Manawatu

Claim your TU ES WA TU A A N R Kiwi Guardians medal A Y

• M • • •

• •

• On your adventure, look out for the •

•

• • M Guardian Post. On it you’ll find a special Y A R N A A code word – write it down below (but don’t W T U A T U ES share it!), then go to kiwiguardians.co.nz and claim your medal.

Write your code word here

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 Photo: Brian Mackie Photo: Left: crabs. Shore DOC Photo: Right: at Manawatu Estuary. birds spoonbill Royal

22 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 anymud 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 anypied 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 aboutwildlife 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!

23 Manawatu

godwit. P ing ho st to Head to the bollards* – they stop e : S R h e l li beach traffic disturbing the resting e

godwits. Wouldn't you be tired n s 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.

24 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!

25 Manawatu

Claim your AITON AP GA • P • • • • • Kiwi Guardians medal • • • • • • • • • • • •

• •

•

• On your adventure, look out for the •

•

• • Guardian Post. On it you’ll find a special

S • C E V code word – write it down below (but don’t E N R IC RESE share it!), then go to kiwiguardians.co.nz and claim your medal.

Write your code word here

Difficulty: Easy (walking track)

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. Photo: Daniel_G Photo: Reserve. Left: Papaitonga Spragg Bernard Photo: Right: Fungi. Bracket

26 Papaitonga Scenic Reserve Local Treasure

1. Can you hear that? How many differentbird 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.

27 Manawatu

d sna lan il/P nt ow ia e ‘Powelliphanta’* – how many times G ll ip h a can you say that in a row? n t a

It is a giant land snail that feeds on h o

worms. They are easier to spot at K

night or when it has been raining. i

d r

S a t M e

f n

*No. 6 on the map a

28 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.

29 Manawatu

Write your code word here

Difficulty: Easy (walking track)

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. Photo: Kathrin Marks and Stefan Photo: Manawatu Gorge. Manawatu Gorge.

30 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.

31 Manawatu

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

*No. 2 on the map.

toward ing th k e M oo a L n a w a t u

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32 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!

33 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 • Wētā motels are no-fuss really aren’t that many holes homes for wētā. They find one, in trees. That’s why wētā crawl in and relax. You can dig under stones or chew place a wētā motel in a tree, through rotten logs to under a tree and even on a make their homes. fence post. • Female wētā lay 100–300 eggs, so if you build a home they like, their numbers will grow!

Giant wētā. Photo: Sabine Bernert 34 Explore your backyard Explore 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 motel A 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!

35 get kids into nature 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.

arn you dy E r me rea ! da et l! G Go!

Go online to find the Get out and explore! Enter your details adventure maps online for a medal

kiwiguardians.co.nz

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.