PLEASE NOTE:  CHANGE OF DATE (this was originally Oct 1st and 2nd).

Ron and Dell invite members to stay at their place at Waitete Bay, just south of Colville, as a base to visit a very neglected Thames Coromandel District Council reserve on the Colville Hill.  This 14 ha forest remnant deserves some care and more information about its botanical diversity might be helpful in achieving this.  As well as the reserve, there are adjacent privately protected forests we are welcome to visit, as well as their own  little  (8  ha)  QEII  covenant  which  is  still  in  the  early  stages  of  regeneration.  On quiet nights kiwi can usually be heard in this area.  Local  environmental enthusiasts are keen to join us.  Difficulty easy – moderate.

Accommodation options: usual household facilities are available at Ron and Dell’s place, along with two spare bedrooms, lots of squabs and the living room floor, or for those who’d prefer a little more privacy there is public accommodation at Amodeo Bay 2km south of Waitete, and at Colville, 10km north.  You will need to bring your own breakfast and lunches, and something for a shared dinner on the Saturday night.  A koha would be appreciated please (a token to cover electricity costs and the bulk towards a donation to the Moehau Environment Group, without whom the chance of hearing kiwi would be slim to nil).

Travel time is around 2 and three-quarter hours from Hamilton.  Please contact Dell if you are interested in going so she knows how many to expect.

Image: Coastal vegetation north of Waitete Bay.