Monday, August 1 - Hanging out with the Kiwis (finally!)

X-ray of Kiwi with egg inside.

Monday afternoon we experienced Willowbank Reserve.  Willowbank cares for New Zealand wildlife that occurs both naturally in the country as well as species that are part of the country's history (i.e., species that were introduced by colonists over time).  Some of these species are domestic such as chickens and horses, others have become pest species such as wallabies and possums.  The park seeks to educate residents and visitors as to the heritage and challenges New Zealand's animal species bring to the table.  Our tour also included native New Zealand species where we saw our first Tuatara, Kiwi, Takahe, and Morepork. 

Tuatara

Takahe

 (Here is what Henry, a 111-year old Tuatara that lives in Invercargill, looks like:)

We also got to size up the extinct animals of New Zealand that roamed this wondrous place not too long ago.

Katie and Emily with an "actual size" Moa sillhouette.  These were hunted to extinction in relatively recent history.

An additional tour was to experience Ko Tane - a Maori cultural performance.  Matt got to be our chief and made sure to let the Maori Village know that we came in peace by accepting their offering and performing a proper Hongi.

We all had a wonderful time, and our gals got to give Poi a go and 

our guys got to give the haka a go as part of the show.  

Experiencing the strong and beautiful singing voices of the women and men, watching them twirl poi and throw sticks, and seeing a true Haka were, again, amazing experiences.  

Following our tours we had dinner at a new restaurant in Lincoln, No. 6, and had a chance to thank Colin, Tupelo, Jamm and Meryl for their assistance with the course, and of course, the students for their enthusiasm and sense of adventure for making the course a success!

Colin, our honorary Gator!