Experiencing the intensity of the New Zealand bush at night then waking up to hear native birds in a rousing dawn chorus.
However for one night only in November anyone can enjoy such an encounter, led by scientists and environmentalists.
The event is called Breakfast With The Birds and is hosted by the Aongatete Forest Project, a group that looks after 500 hectares of DOC estate in the Kaimai ranges.
Night time guided walk in the bush
Breakfast With The Birds actually begins at night, with a forest walk where the wonders of the New Zealand bush are illuminated by both torches and science. Aongatete Forest Project chair Barbara McGillivray explains. “We have scientists leading the event as their knowledge and passion for our native fauna and flora brings the forest alive in a way that is truly unique.”
Esteemed scientists and speakers
This year the team of scientists include environmentalist Dr Ian McLean, Rotorua ecologist Angela Simpson, and entomologist and former Forest & Bird President Dr Peter Maddison. They will be supported by wildlife photographer and spider expert Bryce McQuillan and Russell Ingram-Seal from the Whakatane Kiwi Trust.
Breakfast at Aongatete
Barbara says Breakfast With The Birds is the annual fundraiser for Aongatete’s predator-free project, “but more than raising money, it’s about people being able to experience a forest that, thanks to our pest control efforts, is coming back to life.”
Breakfast With The Birds is at the Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre on Friday, 3 November. The event is just $40 a head and includes dinner, accommodation, guided walks and – of course – breakfast.
If you wish to attend Breakfast With The Birds please email events@aongateteforest.org for full details.
