Guides wanted for sanctuary walks
The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary is looking for volunteers to help take visitors on guided tours through the park.
Brook Waimarama Sanctuary general manager Hudson Dodd said the sanctuary will introduce pop-up walking tours this month at scheduled times or for special events.
‘‘This is an interim step in the sanctuary’s development; we are still a year away as a full blown tourist attraction,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re still open for public access, so we figured it would be beneficial to visitors and the community to be offering guided walks, adding some value above and beyond what you can just experience yourself going for a walk.’’
Dodd said the sanctuary would be introducing an entry fee from this month in the form of a donation.
He said a donation of $5 per adult or $10-15 per family was suggested.
’’We’re a charitable trust and we need financial support.
‘‘We want to test the water for what the demand is like for guided walks, what are people interested in – all on a trial basis this summer.’’
Dodd said the walks would focus on the cultural heritage and the natural heritage of the park.
Cultural heritage included how Maori traditionally used the area while natural heritage included flora and fauna.
‘‘We have relatively rare plant communities in the sanctuary, really interesting big trees and birdlife and reptile life that are already present.
‘‘Then, over time that will be augmented when we introduce species to the sanctuary.’’
He said guides would be trained to provide interactive tours, including conservation, wildlife, historic and cultural aspects.
Dodd said they were particularly looking for potential guides with a background in hospitality or tourism.
For more information or to volunteer, email admin@brooksanctuary.org or phone 03 546 2422.