Pre Convention Field Trips
There are three pre-convention field trips organized for Thursday 19 October to explore the greater Wellington area. These are additional to the Convention with an added cost. A cut lunch is provided, bring own drink and entry charges are covered where applicable.
You can book your space on these pre-convention field trips when you register for the convention.
FT 1 - Wainuiomata Beach $50
This is a special and spectacular place to visit. You quickly feel a sense of awe from the continually moving environment and nature all around you. The roar of thundering waves along a rugged rocky shore bounces off steep weathered hills rising high up out of the coastline. It's name means the headland (rae) where the mountains come down (turaki) to the sea - and is home to some rare plants, seals wintering over and earthquake-raised beaches.
The reserve is also home to a variety of native birds and reptiles. You'll see banded dotterels, caspian terns and variable oystercatchers plus skinks and geckos, if having a closer look. There may still be seals in residence. www.huttvalleynz.com/places/wainuiomata
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Access to Turakirae Head is through Ōrongorongo Station which is a working farm and private property.
- Take another layer of clothing in case.
- Keep to the seaward side of the fence.
- Access is by foot only, vehicles of any type are prohibited.
- Dogs are not permitted.
- Fires may not be lit anywhere in this area because of the high risk to dense and dry vegetation.
- Never approach seals too closely, and do not get between a seal and the sea. Use a zoom lens to capture those friendly faces.
- Wear strong footwear as the beach is rocky
Meet at the Lower Hutt Event Centre 8.45am.
Depart 9am
Return 3pm
FT 2 - Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne $70
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 225 hectare (500+ acre) ecosanctuary is a ground breaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Set around a picturesque reservoir, Zealandia is home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife - all thriving wild in a world-first protected sanctuary. Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is about the most biodiversity-rich square mile of mainland New Zealand in terms of the species living wild here. Over forty different species of native birds have been recorded in our sanctuary valley, twenty-four of them endemic (found in no other country). Dozens of reptile species, hundreds of plant species and thousands of kinds of invertebrates have made Zealandia their home. Many of the animals and plants you will see at Zealandia are highly endangered, and some are practically extinct in areas not protected by managed like ours.
Comfortable walking shoes preferable as you will be covering a lot of ground.
https://www.visitzealandia.com
Meet at the Lower Hutt Event Centre 8.45am.
Depart 9am
Return 3pm
FT 3 - Cable Car Museum, Botanical Gardens, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens & Waterfront $50
Ride the cable car and alight at the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens station or travel to the top, enter the Cable Car Museum or walk a short distance to the top entrance of the Botanical Gardens. Wherever you want to start first. Admire the great views over the harbour from the Cable car or walk the waterfront first and soak in the atmosphere of Wellington before venturing up the Cable car. There are so many places to choose to have your lunch. Nothing can beat Wellington on a great day.
Comfortable walking shoes preferable.
https://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz/
Meet at the Lower Hutt Event Centre 8.45am.
Depart 9am
Return 3pm
