Here are 2 signs of a good summer to come – early blooming pohutukawas and heaps of heketara. Are these just myths or do they truly mean a fine summer is on the way? Every year around November I start to crave an end to…
Category: New Zealand Nature
Heketara is an endemic tree daisy in New Zealand. Here are 6 facts about this tree that has lovely clusters of white flowers in the spring. The native forests of New Zealand are lush, full of vegetation from the emergent Rata and Rimu trees to…
Lancewood is a unique native New Zealand tree that can be easily identified. Here are 7 facts about this common tree, including its two growth stages. I feel like I’ve been a bit remiss in not talking about Lancewood before. Lancewood is one of the…
The native pukatea tree can grow some humongous buttress roots. Read about why puakatea trees have these unique plank buttress roots here. New Zealand is full of unique trees that grow nowhere else in the world. Some, such as the Pohutukawa, produce beautiful red flowers,…
Spring is in the air and for many birds that means it’s time to start breeding. Here are some facts about tomtit breeding – the how, what, when, and where. In New Zealand spring starts on 1 September. Since that time I’ve been seeing a…
The native totara tree grows to a huge size and is common across New Zealand. Learn 6 facts about this tree, including why Maori revere it. As a pakeha and non-native to New Zealand it has taken me time to learn and appreciate many of…
The native kamahi tree is one of the trees that comprise the goblin forests in New Zealand. Read all about this common native forest tree here. One of the very first hikes I did upon arrival in New Zealand was a short walk on Mt.…
New Zealand Sea Lions can be found along the coasts of the southern part of the South Island. Here are 10 facts about these native marine mammals. Prior to the arrival of people to these amazing islands, there were many types of large animals such…
These 6 Mt. Taranki waterfall hikes can be found all around the North Island’s perfectly shaped stratovolcano. Read about these waterfall hikes here. I love Mt. Taranaki. On a clear day in winter the majestic snow capped peak can be seen from anywhere in the…
Can you tell if you are looking at a fur seal or a sea lion? Here are 3 simple tips to help you tell apart these two native New Zealand marine mammals. New Zealand may not have many native land mammals (in fact only 2…