Get involved Discovery Tour

Make your mark in the history of our newly established “Mable Hope reserve” by planting your own unique tree, thus helping with the regeneration of our native habitat.

Stunning scenic drive over an ancient volcano guided by our experienced guide, you will gain an insight into the importance of New Zealand's native forest and discover some of the vital connections made with our native wildlife.

Once at Pohatu Bay, a perfect mix of a working sheep farm, a penguin colony, and native forests.

The conservation efforts by this farming family over the years have helped the penguins thrive, but they have also planned their farming practices around balancing economy and ecology in order to protect the biodiversity found in their backyard.

The Helps family has dedicated 40% of their 1000-acre property to bush reserves, placed in covenants of native vegetation protected legally in perpetuity. And it is in this 40% that we get you to help us restore the land to what it would have looked like 700 years ago, before we Humans changed everything.

We are aiming to create a beautiful place not just for us but also for our native birds, lizards, insects, and future generations to enjoy.

Itinerary

-          12.30 pm departure

-          Scenic drive, photo stops, and commentary

-          1.15 pm short walk into Tutakakahikura scenic reserve

o   20 minutes or so to discover a remnant piece of bush to talk about what New Zealand used to look like and get an understanding of what we are trying to achieve.

o   Partly self-guided longer walk can be organized (30 to 40 minutes)

-          2.00 pm at Flea Bay with the friendly pet sheep

-          2.15 pm penguin nature talks and short walk to monitor nesting site(s)

-          2.45 pm native tree planting in a specific zone, allowing clients and future friends or family members to come and check on the same tree.

o   The importance of the regeneration of a forest,

o   Different sorts of trees and their impact/relationship on wildlife

o   Comparison between the remnant forest Tutakakahikura and Mable Hope reserve.

-          3.30 pm tea and coffee

-          4.30 pm back in Akaroa.