Monday Walkers
What an amazing walk we had on Monday, September 12. Who would have guessed that the groomed fairways and surrounds of a golf course could protect and nurture such an array of animal, bird, and plant life?
The 180-hectare Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary nestles behind a 5 kilometre, 2m-high Xcluder fence. With protection from predators such as rodents, feral cats, possums, mustelids, and hedgehogs the owners, Crombie Lockwood, Save the Kiwi, and the Department of Conservation have all co-operated and funded a dedicated kiwi incubation, hatching and brooding centre and a retirement home for takahē . From the moment we walked through the automated gates until we departed there were smiles of delight at the new experiences and the conservation work being undertaken.
We walked to the Crombie Lockwood Kiwi Burrow and heard about the care and incubation of kiwi eggs. Since late 2019 more than 220 birds have been hatched, increasing their survival rate from 5 per cent in the wild to 65 per cent. Later we followed wide concreted pathways, admiring constructed ponds, streams and even a bridge modelled on the Augusta National original. A definite change from our usual tracks.
Takahē are listed as a Nationally Vulnerable bird but are thriving at Wairakei. One pair of birds “retired” to the sanctuary were so rejuvenated by their new home they had a chick and since then three other chicks have been born. These flightless, stout, strong beaked birds have red legs and royal blue and iridescent turquoise plumage which would rival any peacock.
To our surprise and delight we actually saw a brown kiwi. Having reached a safe weight she was being prepared to return to her whā nau in Taranaki. A wriggling bundle of shaggy reddish-brown hair-like feathers, sharp claws and a long thin ivory bill. By this time the rain clouds were chasing us and it was a perfect end to great walk. Next week the track will not be smooth and the foliage will be wild.
If you would like to join us or for more information, please email walkersmondaytaupo@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook at “Taupo Monday Walkers”.