March 22-24 – Banks Peninsula

We drove from Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula, stopping on the way at Akaroa, a French settlement situated on a harbor.  We have been staying in a cottage near the Hinewai Reserve, an area comprising about 1,500 hectares of regenerated native bush.  Our friends, George and Hilary, invited us to join with some of their friends.

It has been stimulating to be with such interesting and fine people.  Dinner times have been especially animated, sitting around a large table eating a delicious meal. Most of the (11) people here are part of a regular walking group (The Wellington Wednesday Wobbly Walkers).  We are impressed with their level of physical fitness and mental agility and the gracious way in which we have felt included from the first meeting.  Walking together is a great platform for extended conversations. These wonderful new friends are inspiring and are really good role models.

The inspirational figure behind the Hinewai Reserve is Hugh Wilson, a botanist, conservationist, Reserve Manager, Artist, Track maker, Publisher and Writer, and all-around force for restoring the native bush.  He eschews petrol cars and gets around a ridiculously extensive area and elevation change on an bicycle and an electric ATV.

You can get to know Hugh and more about the Hinewai Reserve story in this excellent video: https://happenfilms.com/fools-and-dreamers

We had the opportunity to meet the gregarious Hugh at dinner one night.  He explained his philosophy that is now increasingly being accepted in NZ that the best way to regenerate the native forest in marginal farm land is to remove the pasturing animals (sheep and cattle).  Gorse (an invasive thorny weed bush that was originally introduced into NZ to create fast growing hedges and then took over) can provide a nurturing environment for native seedlings. The gorse fixes nitrogen in the soil and shelters the native seedlings, which thrive in shade. These natives eventually grow to choke out the gorse, which is dependent on sun.  The revolutionary idea here is that the gorse is not sprayed with poison or burned or bulldozed. These have all been treatments used in the past, and have deleterious effects on the environment!

Since the acquisition of the first 109 hectares in 1987, the native forest has flourished.  We took an amazing hike from the bay to the saddle, a climb of 670 metres, through new and old growth forest.  It was quite a demanding stroll both in climb and scampering over tree roots.  The native birds and the shelter and quiet provided by the forest were magical. The forest provides a corridor from native wildlife from the sea to the crest.

We have fallen asleep at night with tired limbs to the sound of crashing waves.  The nearby bay hosts fur seals, Caspian terns and Oyster Catchers.  On the nights that we have been able to stay awake, the stars have been amazing.  We especially enjoyed seeing the southern cross. We take Hinewai in our hearts.

Off to Wellington tomorrow!