Monday, August 2nd, 2010 - White Flippered Penguins and Willowbank Reserve

Monday morning and afternoon were left to class decision, and our gang decided they wanted to try to see White Flippered Penguins that were rumored to be nesting off the Banks Peninsula.  Mark contacted a scientist working with this endangered species.  With permission and tips on how to see them, we were off to see what we could see.  Despite rain, we worked our way over to the surfer's beach and batches at Taylor's Mistake and set off along the Godley Head Track.  

Mark took some time to explain that because this particular species of penguin only nests in this one spot and off a small island off the coast of this area, the Center for Biological Diversity (based in California) who petitioned to have several species of penguins listed as endangered because of global warming issues included the White Flippered Penguin on the list.  Our adventure took us through a predator fence (still being erected) and down a long steep ladder to a rocky coastline where nest boxes had been constructed along a 200 meter stretch of the coastline to help facilitate both nesting and scientific observation/study.  

We carefully peeked into the next boxes along the stretch of coastline and were able to see a total of six penguins!  An amazing and surreal experience for all!

Monday evening we experienced Willowbank Reserve.  Willowbank cares for New Zealand wildlife that occurs both naturally in the country as well as species that are part of the country's history (i.e., species that were introduced by colonists over time).  Some of these species are domestic such as chickens and horses, others have become pest species such as wallabies and possums.  The park seeks to educate residents and visitors as to the heritage and challenges New Zealand's animal species bring to the table.  Our nighttime tour also included native New Zealand species where we saw our first Tuatara, Kiwi, and Morepork.

An additional tour was to experience Ko Tane - a Maori cultural performance.  We all had a wonderful time, and our gals got to give Poi a go and 

our guys got to give the haka a go as part of the show.  

Experiencing the strong and beautiful singing voices of the women and a true Haka were, again, amazing experiences.  

Following our tours we had dinner at Willowbank and had a chance to thank Colin, Tupelo, Jamm and Meryl for their assistance with the course, and of course the students for their enthusiasm and sense of adventure for making the course a success.

P.S.  It is lambing season on the Banks Peninsula and the hills are alive with the sounds of baby lambs.