“Maungatautari is an exciting place to visit – with 47kms of predator proof fence enclosing 3400 hectares in a sea of pastureland, it is the largest ecological island on mainland New Zealand.                                 With the eradication of mammalian predators largely complete, native bird populations are being re-introduced and trees and ferns are able to grow uninhibited.   This provides for a surprising new environment as the balance of species develops.                                  We invite you to experience the "last place on earth..."” http://netlist.co.nz/communities/MaungaTrust/Index.cfm                                            Where did the time go?  I am sitting in the Auckland International Airport Lounge getting ready to write about my last experience of my journey.   Even though it may be one of my last blog entries, my journey is far from over as I begin to share my experiences with students and those who are interested.                          The last full day in Rotorua called for rain with heavy downpours, with a higher percentage chance in the afternoon.  Therefore, I left right after breakfast to drive the 100 kilometers to a conservation area called Maungatautari.    The drive was uneventful (thankfully) but I did feel as though I was driving into the middle of nowhere.   When I finally reached the end of the road, the visitors area was deserted, not a soul to be found anywhere.  Fortunately there were large signs with the rules and regulations clearly posted along with a map of the trails.  The one warning that I could not heed was “Be certain someone knows that you are here, and that they know the trails you will be hiking.”   Even though I had some concern about entering this huge area alone, I knew that I had one more adventure on my list before leaving New Zealand.  So, I headed to the locked entrance feeling a little bit uneasy that I could be the only person on the entire preserve, with no one knowing that I am there.                                                     

The secure fence.  Note how steep it is as it encompasses the mounain.

        The fencing alone is a masterpiece. The entire area is enclosed so that non-native/invasive species of the four legged type are kept out of the area.  New Zealand did not have any native mammalian predators before man introduced them, so this preserve has been established to ensure the survival of native birds that did not adapt survival methods to four legged predators.   The fence has been constructed so that an extension is buried underground to prohibit animals from burrowing into the preserve.  There is an electric fence that runs along the top so that any breach is quickly monitored and volunteers can respond with an hour to repair damage or check for any intruders.  The gate system for people to enter is a double gate where you press a button to open the first door, it closes before you can walk to the second door to enter the grounds.  All visitors are cautioned and asked to check any packs for stowaways, such as mice.     

The double locking people entrance gate.

                       After the fence was completed, volunteers were successful in the eradication of rats, possums, hares, rabbits, feral cats, deer, goats, and all other four legged animals that would be harmful to the native birds and wildlife.  The area has had a small re-infestation of rabbits which is currently under control.  Mice have not been completely eradicated so they have revised their plan from a total eradication to a controlled population.  Before certain species of birds can be re-introduced, the predators must be eliminated or controlled.                                                   The methods used to eradicate the pests include trapping as well as aerial dropping of poison bait packets.  They also use specialized dogs that sniff out predators so volunteers can place traps or bait in appropriate areas.  Pet dogs are not allowed in the area as they can chase, injure, or kill resident birds such as the kiwi.  The Maungatautari Project survives with the support of hundreds of volunteers that not only work on the continuation of pest eradication, but also monitor and repair the fence, as well as work on the re-introduction of native birds and trees.                            Once inside, I decided to hike the Southern Rata Track.  This would take me to the Canopy Observation Tower, the Aviary, and the “Clearing”.  The track was well laid out, but extremely steep.   I reached the platform as it started raining and so I quickly climbed to the top to see the canopy and observe birds at the top.  I then hiked to the aviary, but it did not have any bird residents at the time as no birds were being acclimatized to be released into the wild.   I decided to check out the “clearing”, which is an area used for bird feeding platforms.  Ornithologists have found that by providing a limited amount of food for re-introduced species, it assists in keeping the birds from leaving the area to find food outside the preserve.                                                     When I walked into the clearing, the birds scattered.  I quickly grabbed a seat and set up my camera, hoping the birds would come back.   

Obviously, named "Silver Eyes"



Black Bird



 Silver eyes, black birds, and robins made a quick re-entry.  Then, off in the distance, I could see something peering at me from the back of a tree.  The Kaka moved cautiously toward the feeder, eyeing me the whole time.  Another followed and they began chattering.  I tried imitating their call and must have been fairly accurate because I soon had six Kakas flying around the feeding stations and I was smack dab in the middle of their flight pattern.  They are not bashful so as long as I remained fairly still, they were comfortable.   

Kaka checking me out.

They even seemed to like posing for some of the pictures, showing their ‘cheeky” personalities.   I was mesmerized by the antics of the Kakas and luckily captured many pictures of these amazing birds.  I would have stayed much longer, but the light rain turned into a heavy downpour and the feeding stations are obviously in a “clearing” so I grabbed my rain jacket and faithful back pack to begin the steep trek back to the car park.  Amazingly, once back under the canopy of the trees, the trees acted like a natural umbrella and the downpour was blocked by the overhead canopy.                                        My time in the preserve, alone on almost 3,400 hectares was a wonderful time to reflect on all the wonderful adventures in New Zealand.  The rainy drive back to Rotorua was bittersweet as this was ending my incredible journey to the “Land of the Long White Cloud”. 

A fern frond unfurling.                                          



Lush ferns and floor growth everywhere

 

Perspective on size of ferns!  I was still alone.  Thanks to timed shutter release
and a granola bar to rest camera lens on for proper alignment.

Feeding station visitors before being run off by the Kaka


More Pictures of the "Cheeky Kaka"...