David Clark – Dunedin North

I’ve had family staying from out of town.  On Easter Sunday we visited Knox Church, took kids on an egg hunt, and went to Woodhaugh Gardens.  It was a cracker of a day: crisp, clear and warm in the sunlight.

Today we hit the Orokonui Ecosanctuary.  It’s the only area of predator-free native forest in mainland South Island.  And, on the road between Waitati and Port Chalmers, it’s in the Dunedin North electorate.

The ecosanctuary has come a long way in a short time through the help of volunteers and local trusts. You can take a guided tour or wander the tracks through regenerating bush. 

The benefits of the Ecosanctuary are not restricted to the preservation of species on site.  After an hour’s stroll through the bush, I chatted with Ren, Alice and sanctuary worker Jenna.  They were learning to rescue birds as part of a school holiday programme; they’ll take these skills home.  And through Orokonui, New Zealand’s biodiversity is preserved.  I’ve also profited personally from the increasing commotion of native birdsong on our property at neighbouring Waitati.

The bush-walk was uplifting.  Getting up close to the native robin was a highlight.  I also enjoyed the cheese rolls.

For more good days in Dunedin see here, here and here.