B and G in New Zealand: Dunedin

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

We have truly enjoyed walking the many trails at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. You may be asking yourself, what is an ecosanctuary?

Well, there were no native land mammals in New Zealand (except for one specie of bat) prior to the arrival of humans. Bird species here evolved to take the niche of mammals in other lands. These birds (several flightless) were and continue to be easy prey for rats, possums, ferrets, stoats, ferrel cats and dogs. By removing these predators and other animals such as rabbits and deer, native flora and fauna are able to return in protective ecosanctuaries. There are a few ecosanctuaries in New Zealand as well as protective offshore islands.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary has only been open a couple of years, but they have done a remarkable job of creating a habitat for native flora and fauna. It is over 750 acres and is surrounded by over 5 miles of protective fencing. The fencing is small enough to keep out baby mice. The fence also prohibits non-native animals from digging under it or climbing over it. The electric wire on the top of the fence sets off an alarm if touched or if a gate is left open. Saddlebacks and brown kiwis, both endangered species, are two recent introductions to the sanctuary. Our guide spotted a kiwi feather and poop while we were walking the trail.

We spent two full days walking the trails by ourselves in Orokonui. We were fortunate enough to see many fantails and tomtits that often followed us along the path. They enjoyed the bugs that we stirred up. We also saw paradise shelducks in a pond and many bellbirds and tuis on the trails and at a platform feeder. In the morning, we sat quietly and waited in hopes of seeing the native parrot (kaka). Our hopes were exceeded, as a pair of kakas stayed at the feeder for about 20 minutes. In addition to using the feeder, they stripped bark to find insects and sap and played follow the leader around the branches.

fantail

tomtit

kaka (New Zealand parrot)

kaka

tui - notice its bowtie

bellbird

female paradise shelduck

male paradise shelduck

stinkhorn fungus

We walked the valley trail for the second time. It is a beautiful trail that follows a stream down into the valley with many types of ferns, open areas, dense forest, and the tallest tree in New Zealand. This specie of eucalyptus is over 260 feet tall now, and if left alone could grow to 400 feet. The California redwood is the only tree that is taller.

View on Valley Trail

G's fern

B and tallest tree in NZ

The area near Purakaunui

Purakaunui is a small village with homes and farms. Sheep are everywhere. Some days the gate at the bottom of our driveway is closed. We suspect farmers close it to prevent the sheep from wandering into the garden when they are being moved from one field to another. When you are outside in morning or evening, you can hear “bah-bah” coming from the hills around the cottage.

The Dunedin area is referred to as a southern hemisphere Scotland. We cannot help from being in awe by the beauty when we drive into Dunedin from here. The Pacific Ocean, the beaches, the stonewalls, the sheep grazing on the hills, and the different types of trees and birds all add to this dramatic setting.