Queen Charlotte Sound Field Trip 22nd to 25th March 2018
Trip Guides: Ann & Peter
Trip Report: Alice
When asked to write this trip report, immediately, Very Wet and Good Company, came to mind!
We had an interesting drive up, what an amazing job they are doing on the Kaikoura coast road.
The Top 10 at Picton was excellent and our unit was used for group gatherings.
We woke up to heavy rain Friday morning. Sadly the decision was made not to go out in the boat.
Some of the group chose to drive the scenic route around the coast to Rarangi Beach, we went to Wairau Lagoons near Blenheim, and one couple went on a tour of the local vineyards. In the afternoon we were invited back to Trish and Linton’s beautiful new home in Havelock for a welcome cup of tea.
Friday evening we all met up for drinks at our skipper Steve’s apartment overlooking Picton harbour, then all went for a meal at Oxley’s Bar which was conveniently underneath.
The decision was made to go boating the next day regardless.
Sure enough Saturday morning came and I think the rain was even heavier! But we headed to Waikawa where Steve and Heather greeted us on board, by which time the rain had eased off. Linton had kindly brought his dingy along which we towed behind the boat so that we could get ashore on Blumine Island.
Looking at the sky, we decided to head for Motuara Island first.
Trish and Linton knew where we might find some King Shags and it wasn’t long before we were photographing them. What a treat.
It was a great feeling to finally arrive at Motuara after the disappointment of the last trip. We all walked up to the lookout at the top of the Island, a fantastic 360 degree view with birds singing around us. Robins were happy to pose for us all the way up the path and Fantails flitted about and the Bellbirds sang. A Yellow-Crowned Parakeet was seen and photographed and a couple of people were lucky enough to see two Saddlebacks. We had heard them at the lookout but they waited for most of us to go, sadly that included me!
There were two Blue penguins in one of the nesting boxes.
The rain held off till we were back on board.
We then headed for Blumine and Linton ferried us to the shore, where two Weka greeted us. We followed the track for some way and Kereru, Bellbird, Tui and Fantails were all seen but the rain became heavier and it was time to head back to the boat. Picton and Fish and Chips beckoned!
It was a great weekend even though the weather was not its best but the sounds were calm which was a bonus.
Thanks to Peter and Ann, Steve and Heather and Linton and Trish for organising another superb field trip.
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