This is a fantastic opportunity to venture into the Ruahine Ranges to the headwaters of the picturesque Oroua River and see the habitat of the whio (blue duck) and perhaps the birds themselves. Our host Janet Wilson is the Project Coordinator of the Oroua Blue Duck Protection Trust, and she will share the history, funding, extent and success of the programme so far. She will also show us the types of traps used and how they operate.

From the Oroua River the walk climbs a short distance to Heritage Lodge where there is a chance to have a break, enjoy the view and eat your lunch. The walk then continues up Tunipo Track, initially through mixed beech podocarp forest, then horopito and mountain cedar, and possibly as far as alpine scrub and tussock before returning. The bird life is abundant in this area and you will get to see and hear fantail, wax eye, tui, bellbird and wood pigeon, and maybe whitehead.

The tramp in is initially relatively easy along an old logging road but the track down to the Oroua River is steep in places, as is the pathway to Tunipo so a reasonable level of fitness is needed, and good outdoor clothing and footwear.

Please ensure that you wear appropriate walking footwear, and bring warm clothing, lunch and drink, and snacks for energy.

Date: Sunday 3 March 2024, 7.50am
Distance: 7 – 8km
Walking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Depart: Bus departs Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History, 326 Main Street, Palmerston North at 8am and arrives back around 4.30pm.

The bus will stop at the Feilding & District Information Centre, 61 Aorangi Street to pick up Feilding walkers at 8.20am. Please send an email to [email protected] with your name, phone number and walk, if you wish to be picked up there.

Limited to 20 people, book now to avoid disappointment.

Bookings are essential – no ticket sales on the day.