Monthly Archives: August 2022

Planting Day for Paparoa Wildlife Trust at Atarau Kiwi Sanctuary

At Breakers we have a few community groups we support – usually through a monetary donation but also through Stephen’s photography and our time when we can. One of those groups is The Paparoa Wildlife Trust and the work they do with the Great Spotted Kiwi found here in the mountains behind us.

Recently they called for volunteers to help with their native tree planting day at the Atarau Kiwi Sanctuary – Kiwi creche inland from Greymouth. It is a completely predator proof sanctuary where juvenile Kiwi spend the first year of their life in a safe environment where their growth and health is monitored until they are around 1kg in weight and fit enough to be released back into the wild of the Paparoa mountains where the original egg was taken from.

Armed with our trusty shovels we rocked up to join an enthusiastic group of volunteers. After a short introduction at the entrance of the sanctuary we were led through the native bush to the base for a safety briefing. We then split into two groups – easier ground for digging or the hardcore rocky terrain. The family groups mainly chose the easier terrain while a smaller group of us chose the rocky terrain and we all headed off to our allocated planting site.

It was an overcast day so perfect conditions for digging holes. Jackets were soon thrown to the side as the hard labour took its toll. No need to go to the gym when you can do this for your workout.

Soon enough it was lunchtime and both groups reassembled at the main base for some good chats over our sausage sizzle and home brought lunch treats. Great way to meet new people and make new friends.

Enough sitting around though – there was work to be done with the job not yet finished and more trees still to plant. The initial aim was 500 trees – or so we thought but that number had managed to morph into 700…. mmmm crafty organisers lol.

The sun made an appearance and our small group were soon back hard at work on our shovels. Good team effort and it didn’t take long before the final tree for the day was planted. We managed to get the planting done in good timing, finishing two hours ahead of schedule.

Fabulous day out with a wonderful group of enthusiastic volunteers and great organisers in Kirsty and George. Look forward to coming back out for another working bee soon and checking the progress on the growth of our new “babies”.

One of our favourite places for mountain biking and hiking is the wee town of Reefton. It is just under an hours drive inland from Greymouth so one of our go-to places when we have some time on our hands and want a nice outing.

Stephen and I both commented a visit was overdue so we loaded up the bikes and took the drive up the valley.

Destination Murray Creek tracks at Blacks Point just on the outskirts of Reefton. We’ve got the fur kids with us and they recognise the area and are super excited to be let loose and get a good run.

Five, four, three, two, one and we’re off….. sounds like a race but I assure you it is anything but – not for the hoomans anyway. This track starts straight into climbing – short and sharp to boot. Doesn’t faze the kids though, not with four paw drive and so many good smells to divert their attention along the way.

We soon get our rhythm going and make our way grinding up the hill. Thankfully it does peter off a bit and the legs get a chance to warm up and recover. It is super pretty biking up through the forest and following the creek as it meanders down below us.

Thankfully before long we reach the swingbridge over the creek. I say thankfully as there is about 100 metres of very steep gradient with loose rocks to negotiate just before the swingbridge – my least favourite part of the whole ride so always a sense of relief once we reach the swingbridge and know the worst of the climb is over.

I enjoy the challenge of trying to ride across the swingbridge – it is pretty narrow and of course moves so is a good test of my balancing skills if I can make it across without grabbing the railing or putting a foot down. Today I let loose with a whoop whoop as I successfully make it across to the other side.

The right side of the creek is more of a gentle meander up through the bush. The vegetation changes slightly as it opens out a bit more, letting the light filter through the canopy of the trees.

A smaller bridge takes us back across to the other side of the creek and the gentle meander that we were enjoying slowly starts to increase in gradient – up, up, up, remembering what goes up must come down so some fun times are ahead of us…… eventually…….

One noticeable thing about being back on this of the track is the sea of green. This side is much more shaded and the green foliage all around us is popping. We’re waiting on the fairies to come out and say hello or better still Tarzan to swing on by – aaahhhh aahh aahh aaaaaaahhhhhhh (I have no idea how to type that jungle calling lol).

It is a fun descent and the dogs like to think they are racing us down. Dream on kids, if we wanted to we’d kick your buts – well maybe. Soon enough we’re back at the swingbridge.

I let out a whoop and hollar at the joy of another successful crossing – this girl is on fire! Well I like to think so anyway haha.

A final quick blast and we’re at the end, or back at the start, however you want to look at it. Kids happy – check, hoomans happy – check, good day out by all – check. Thanks Murry Creek Tracks and thanks Reefton, you didn’t disappoint. To top it off we stopped at Nana Ni’s Cafe on the main street in Reefton for a takeaway coffee and apple turnover – now that is a great way to finish a ride!