We set off mid-morning for our first overnight field trip. Our destination, Hinewai Reserve. Along the way we stopped to view a new dusting (dumping) of snow on the Southern Alps from across Lake Elshmere; viewed some local art in Little River; enjoyed a beautiful overview of the Banks Peninsula from the top; sampled hand crafted cheeses at Barry’s Bay; enjoyed a snack of Kiwi treats from snakes and Ginger Nut cookies to Wittakers chocolate on the Onawe Pa spit; and ate burgers (you can see by the menu they are a little different than in the States) and fish and chips in Akaroa and then had a chance to explore the town before heading over the ridge toward Long Bay and Hinewai Reserve.
We packed in our gear and food and made our way down the path to the Lodge which would become our home for the next two nights. The late afternoon was spent settling in, making a fire, relaxing playing card games and just hanging out. Before dinner, Hugh Wilson, Botanist and Manager of Hinewai, gave us more background on the reserve and Banks Peninsula.
After dinner, Max led us in a warm up activity before we bundled up for Dr. Hostetler’s birding expedition in search of Morepork and New Zealand Snipe.
-Meryl
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