Events
Keep an eye on this page to keep informed about upcoming events for KCC members. If you want to join KCC click here
Please note: Kids must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Mid-North
Watch this space for our 2012 events list
Central Auckland
FEBRUARY SUNDAY 19 – Visit to Waiheke Reserve (Waiheke Forest & Bird reserve)
We will be taking a trip to Waiheke Island to visit the Forest and Bird reserve, meet the wardens and learn about the valuable conservation work they do, and do a beach cleanup.
Meeting point: Waiheke ferry terminal on 99 Quay Street, Central Auckland
Meeting time: 8:40am (for a 9:00am ferry)
What to bring: Walking shoes, jacket, gardening gloves if you have them, a hat, sunblock, togs and towels and packed lunch to eat on the beach or at the F&B building. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Cost and payment: If you would like to come along, please transfer $35.00 per adult and $17.50 per child to F C Humphreys 38-9010-0318128-05. Tickets will then be purchased for you and distributed on the day. PRE-BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
Bookings: Booking is essential through Fenella at fchumphreys@gmail.com by 5 February 2012
MARCH SATURDAY 3rd to SUNDAY 4th - Trip to Motuihe Island
An overnight trip to this island in the Hauraki Gulf is planned; on previous trips we have planted trees and helped in the nursery. This time we will assist the Motuihe Trust with their work AND have the chance to stay overnight on the island.
Costs: The ferry costs $18.50 for adults (volunteer rate), child fare is $17.
The hut costs $10 per person. The hut sleeps only ten, so booking are on first come, first served basis. You can also come and stay at the DOC campground, cost is $5 per adult, $2.50 for children (17 years and under). Check the website for availablity of camping spots at www.doc.govt.nz
Bookings: Please book with Louise Stone on stonepollard@clear.net.nz or 021 1085 560 AND confirm your booking by paying the hut fees to Louise. You will need to buy your own ferry ticket through 360 Discovery.
APRIL 2012 – RUAPEHU WEEKEND
This trip is now full. To go on the waiting list please contact Marguerite on mlp418@gmail.com
Waitakere
For bookings email Glenys waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238. Please include number and age of children coming and your phone contact.
Waitakere KCC Newsletter - Download Here
MARCH SUNDAY 4 - MATUKU RESERVE WETLAND
Come to the Forest and Bird reserve to learn about the wetland habitat of Bethells Valley. On this day the Fitzgerald family is allowing us (and other visitors) to park on their land and cross the Waitakere River into the reserve to walk along the river shore line. We will also climb up to the waterfall. Wetlands are a very important ecosystem and this area also has interesting history from the days when people were logging kauri.
Time: 10am – noon
Place: 119 Bethells Rd. (there will be people there to direct you to a parking area). Meet at the river crossing.
Booking: Close Monday February 27th. Contact Glenys at waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238
APRIL SATURDAY 14 - LOOKING AT OUR HARBOUR
We will take a look at our harbour and life on the shoreline of the Te Atatu
Penninusula. Seaweek this year will be celebrated March 3 – 11 so our activity will bea bit late, but you can check out www.seaweek.org.nz to find out about events planned in Auckland during Seaweek which you might be able to join in.
Time: 9:30am – noon
Place: Meet at Spinnaker Strand carpark at the end of Beach Rd on Te Atatu Penninsula
Booking: Close Monday April 9th. Contact Glenys at waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238
MAY SUNDAY 13 – UPPER NIHOTUPU DAM WALK
See one of the places we get our water from, learn about the dam and get to know thenames of some of our lovely native plants. The road is wide and though a bit steep in parts, easy to walk. Bring your lunch.
Time: 10am – 1pm
Place: meet at the carpark alongside Piha Rd. and labelled as the Upper Nihotupu Dam
Bookings: Close Monday May 7th. Contact Glenys at waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238
JUNE SATURDAY 9 – ARBOR DAY PLANTING WITH RATAOF PROJECT TWIN STREAMS
Rata will supervise our plantings in Henderson Park off Smythe Rd. near Opanuku Stream as part of the PTS planting programme. Winter is a good time to plant new trees and shrubs so they can establish themselves before the hot weather comes. Rata will be able to tell us more about planting up our land, why planting up streamsides is so important and why certain plants have been chosen.
If the weather is too wet then Rata will cancel the planting on the 9th and it will be held on the following Saturday June 16th. f you are booked to come I will phone you to let you know of a cancellation.
Time: 10am - noon
Place: Meet at the entrance to Henderson Park where Smythe Rd ends.
Bookings: Close Thursday May 24th. Contact Glenys at waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238
JULY SATURDAY 7 – KAREKARE BEACH WALK
Do you know the history of this lovely beach and the creatures and plants that live here? Come for a walk through an archway of pohutakawa and onto the black sands, where we can look for interesting plants and animals and evidence of our milling history .
Time: 2 - 4pm
Place: Meet at the Karekare carpark next to the information board by the stream.
Bookings: Close Monday July 2nd. Contact Glenys at waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238
AUGUST SUNDAY 5: ARK IN THE PARK
We\\\\\\\'ll walk in the Cascades area of the this 2,000 hectare open sanctuary. Do you know what biodiversity is? Come and experience the biodiverse flora and listen for translocated birds. You could try out the biodiversity quiz on line too at www.kcc.org.nz
Time: 2-4pm
Place: Cascades carpark at the end of Falls Rd. (off Bethells Rd)
past the golf club
Bookings: Close Monday July 28th. Contact Glenys at waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238
SEPTEMBER SUNDAY 1: GANNET COLONY AND BEACH CLEAN
Muriwai has a gannet breeding colony named the Takapu Refuge (takapu is the Maori name for the Australasian gannet). The breeding season is from July to January so we will find the birds sitting on their nests high above the Tasman Sea. Next door to the colony is Maori Bay where we will look for rubbish (will we find any??) to pick up. Bring lunch.
Time: 10am – 1pm
Place: Meet at the carpark off lower Waitea Rd/ off Motutara Rd, just above Maori Bay.
Bookings: Close Monday August 27th. Contact Glenys at waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30: KARAMATURE LOOP TRACK WALK
Last year the rain meant that this trip had to be cancelled. How many of our native plants will you be able to recognize now? Don\'t worry if you don\'t know or remember them, we\'ll introduce you again. This is another part of the Waitakere Ranges with an interesting Maori and Pakeha histo-ry. Do you know what the stories are?
Time: 2 – 4:30pm
Place: Meet at the carpark on the opposite side of the road from the Huia Museum and a short distance past the rangers\' house.
Bookings: Close Monday September 24th. Contact Glenys at waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238
NOVEMBER SATURDAY 10: TAI HARURU END OF YEAR PARTY
This will be the last trip of the year. We\'ll eat a shared lunch together, so please bring enough food for your family to share with everyone. Then we\'ll play games or visit the beach depending on the number of people and the weather.
Time: 11am – 2 pm
Place: Tai Haruru, the Forest and Bird Lodge at 92 Garden Place, Piha
Bookings: Close Monday November 5th. Contact Glenys at waitakere@kcc.org.nz or phone 09 832 6238
North Shore
North Shore KCC Newsletter PDF - Download here
Sunday February 19th 2012: THIS TRIP IS NOW POSTPONED DUE TO A SLIP ON THE TRAIN LINE
Ride the Dam Tram through native forest
Arrive by 11am for the 11.30am train. We will ride on this miniature
train, head into tunnels, over bridges and viaducts until we reach Picnic
Flats, a great place for a picnic! Then back through bush with a great
view of the Waitakere Falls and dam before heading back. This is a
narrow gauge railway run by the volunteer Waitakere Tramline
Society, Christian Rd, Swanson, Waitakere. Follow Christian Rd
until you come to the gates. Park outside and come in. Follow the
signs past the Watercare HQ to get to start of the Waitakere Tramline.
Pack your picnic, camera, sunhat and sunscreen. Allow just over an
hour for the trip. We can do bush walks afterwards.
Cost: Adults $15; Children 5-15 $5; pre-schoolers free.
Numbers are limited to 20 on this trip. Please book with Christine Ball.
Sunday March 11: Kauri Park
Discover Your Own Back Yard
There are heaps of big native trees in this reserve. We’ll identify the biggest ones, and
look for wildlife in the bush. Meet at 10am at the car park between 34 and 36 Rangatira Rd, Birkdale.
Bring a notebook and pencil to note the names of birds you see and hear. Bring your lunch and a drink too, plus any bird books you have at home (or borrowed from the library) and your binoculars.
Your guide is Margi Keys. Please book today!
South Auckland Events
South Auckland KCC Newsletter - Click to Download
FEBRUARY SATURDAY 25th: Take part in the national Kereru Count
www.kererucount.org.nz
This is our main KCC event for Term 1. It would be great to have you there so we get off to a good start to 2012.
Dr Mick Clout will talk about the kereru – you should be well informed already after reading our February Wild Things. We will explore this great piece of bush watching very carefully for kereru and noting what we see but also looking at all the other fascinating things that are there.
Then we will have a picnic lunch – lots of shade and picnic tables and toilets next to the car park – and perhaps talk about other trips or activities you might like us to organise for later in the year.
When: 9.30 am
Where: Meet in the car park at Clevedon Reserve. This is at the end of Thorp’s Quarry Road, off North Road just north of Clevedon village.
Bookings: By email to SouthAuckland@kcc.org.nz or phone Rosemary on 2922 512.
FEBRUARY SUNDAY 19th: Exploring Ambury Park with Mike Wilcox
Come on a guided seashore walk – birds, revegetation, and the plants of the seashore.
From 1.00 to 2.30 there is a shared pot luck lunch with a BBQ. Bring food to share (salad, bread) and meat for the BBQ. Drinks – tea, coffee, and juice will be supplied. Or you might prefer to bring your own picnic.
When: 11.00
Where: Park Education Centre/kitchen area.
Bookings (and further details): email SouthAuckland@kcc.org.nz or phone Rosemary on 2922 512.
MARCH SUNDAY 11th: Omana Children’s Day
A day at Omana Regional Park with ranger Mags Ramsey and her team. Details later.
MARCH SATURDAY 24TH: The wading birds of the Manukau Harbour
Join Alan Emmerson from the North Shore branch of Forest and Bird (remember him at Miranda last September?) We will walk the coastal path towards Ambury Park to coincide with the rising tide and have lunch along the way. We will carpool from there to cross the causeway (Island Rd) and walk to the old sewage ponds to see what we can find over there. Alan says this is always a very successful birding day and we will see the very highly coloured birds that are about to leave for the Northern Hemisphere to breed. Autumn is great at the Manukau as all the ducks are through the moult and into their best winter plumage.
When: 10.00am
Where: In the car park on the corner of Creamery Rd and Greenwood Rd on the SW side of Mt Mangere.
Bookings (and further details): email SouthAuckland@kcc.org.nz or phone Rosemary on 2922 512.
Hibiscus Coast Events
We meet at the Whangaparoa Ratepayers Hall, opposite Westpac, on the third Thursday of the month (February through to November) from 4.30pm until 5.30pm, unless otherwise stated.
If you would like to find out more information contact Samantha after 7pm on 09 426 2073
Tauranga Events
Watch this space for our 2012 events
Te Puke Events
Watch this space for our 2012 events
Waikato
FEBRUARY SUNDAY 26:Raglan – Wainui Reserve Walk and Bush Safety
Di Farrell, Raglan resident and recent addition to the KCC coordination team, will lead us on a gentle walk in the Wainui Reserve. The Friends of Wainui have done a lot of work to transform this part of the Wainui Valley from farmland to regenerating native bush. Pam Bovill,Mountain Safety Council member, will give us a talk on bush safety. Then we will set off along the Bush to Beach track (approximately 40 minutes, fairly easy going), making our way across the stream, through the bush reserve and across the ridge, before descending the walkway over the dunes to the beach. There will be time to dip your toes and build castles in the sand before heading back toward the cars for a picnic lunch. The rest of the day is yours, with plenty of other walking tracks to enjoy and the sea perfect for swimming.
Meet: Friends of Wainui Bush Reserve car park at 10:30 am
For more information go to http://raglan.gen.nz/about-raglan/wainui-reserve/.
Directions: From Raglan. Down Wainui Road, past Poihakena Marae and Kereopa Drive, both on the right. The Friends of Wainui Bush Reserve car park is approximately 500m beyond Kereopa Drive. Contact Susan Baucke 07 829 8977 or 021 254 1360 with attendance and for carpooling.
MARCH SUNDAY 25: Tiritiri Matangi Island – Day Trip
Tiritiri Matangi is an island wildlife sanctuary 4km off the tip of the Whangaparaoa Penninsula. The island was stripped almost bare of native bush during a century and a quarter of farming. Now, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, who between 1984 and 1994 planted something in the order of 300,000 native trees, 60% of the island is forested www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz.
We will be met on the island by a DoC ranger for a compulsory briefing before setting out on one of the recommended circular tracks (duration 2 hours). This takes in Hobbs Beach, the Hobbs Track, the Lighthouse and the Wattle Track before returning to the Wharf for lunch. After lunch the time is your own to further explore the island, making sure you’re back at the Wharf in plenty of time to catch the return ferry at 3:30pm. We should arrive back at the Gulf Harbour marina by 4:00.
Getting there: The island is accessed by ferry from the Gulf Harbour marina, departing the end pier (Pier Z) at 9:45am. Ferry bookings must be made direct to 360 Discovery Cruises - or 0800 360 3472.
Gulf Harbour is about a one hour drive north of Auckland at the end of the Whangaparaoa Penninsula, meaning an early start from Hamilton (alternatively, some are staying Saturday night at the F&B Tai Haruru Lodge at Piha - www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/lodges/tai-haruru-lodge for details).
There is free parking available at the Gulf Harbour marina.
Please note there is no food available for purchase on the island. The tracks are either hard surface, grass or boardwalks, with many wooden steps. If bringing a pushchair be prepared to do a bit of lifting.
For more information and bookings: Contact Susan Baucke 07 829 8977 or 021 254 1360 with attendance and for carpooling.
Rotorua
FEBRUARY 24 – 26 – Ngatuhoa Lodge Weekend
Ngatuhoa Lodge has proved to be so popular that we have booked it again. We will make sure that you get to do some new activities on top of all the usual favourites since it is summer-time and there are some beautiful spots for swimming.
Cost: Prices have gone up a wee bit, unfortunately, and we are looking at $20 p/child/p/n and $25 p/adult/p/n. For families of 3 or more children it will be $27 p/adult, and $16 p child.
Book: Further communications about this weekend will be by e-mail only, so do send in your expressions of interest together with your e-mail address before end July to rotorua@kcc.org.nz. Limited numbers.
Hastings-Havelock North
FEBRUARY SUNDAY 19: Cameras at Cornwall Park
Photographing nature - the beautiful and the unusual.
1.30 – 3.30pm. Book in with Linda, ph 878 9705
MARCH SUNDAY 11: Peach Gully, Waimarama
Combined with Forest & Bird. Start 9.30am. Book in with Linda, ph 878 9705
APRIL April 6-9: Easter camp at Pureora Forest Park.
Registration form will be included in the next newsletter.
Visit the geographical centre of the North Island and the site of the protestors who lived in the trees for weeks to save this forest from the axe. Check out the dawn chorus and much more. Phone Linda for more information 878 9705
MAY SUNDAY 20: Pekapeka Wetlands
See if our seed balls grew any plants and walk the new boardwalks. Start time to be confirmed. Leader: Peter. Book in with Linda, ph 878 9705
JUNE SUNDAY 17: Tree planting, Clive River
Combined with Forest & Bird and Operation Patiki. 9.30am – 3pm. Marae welcome, tree planting and more. Book in with Linda, ph 878 9705
JULY SUNDAY 22: Beach Clean Up at Richmond Rd, Clive
1.30pm start. Toast marshmallows over a bonfire. Leader: Peter. Book in with Linda, ph 878 9705
August, September,October and November have some cool ideas. As the details still need to be finalised, we will inform you of the plans next year.
December – no activity
New Plymouth
JANUARY TUESDAY 17: Beach Day
Talk by DOC on our local dolphins and whales. Sand sketches of life size
dolphins and whales. Sand sculptures, swimming and beach clean up.
Meet at: 10.00 am Fitzroy Beach
What to bring: Togs, lunch, sunhat and sunblock, KCC Passport
Low tide is at 9.40am. We have invited the general public to join us with this
event, so bring along a friend.
More info: Contact Janica on 06 752 0830 or email waiongona@clear.net.nz
FEBRUARY SUNDAY 12: Fresh Water Study
Te Henui Stream Fresh Water Study with Kevin Archer (TRC).
Catch Invertebrates, Water Testing, Picnic Lunch and Swim.
Meet at: 11.00am Te Henui Stream, 11 London Tce
What to bring: Togs, lunch, sunhat and sunblock, KCC Passport
More info: Contact Janica on 06 752 0830 or email waiongona@clear.net.nz
MARCH SUNDAY 4: Local Lizards
Close up look at our local lizards with the Herpetological Society
Meet at:1.00pm To be confirmed
What to bring: Camera, KCC Passport
Bookings: Bookings needed contact Janica on 06 752 0830 or email waiongona@clear.net.nz
MARCH TUESDAY 6: Meeting
7.30pm Parent/Caregivers meeting to arrange programme and newsletter.
Location to be confirmed. Contact Janica on 06 752 0830 or email waiongona@clear.net.nz
APRIL SATURDAY/SUNDAY 21/22nd: Turakina Bird Recovery Centre
Saturday: Last weekend of Holidays. Turakina Bird Recovery Centre.
See tui, kereru, talking myna’s and magpie’s, maybe a falcon, kiwi, or a hawk.
Scout camp - activities for kids, kayaking on the lake etc.
Stay overnight in Wanganui at Lake Wiritoa
Meet at: Bird Recovery Centre, Turakina 1pm Saturday
What to bring: Camera, KCC Passport, Food and clothing for overnight stay
Bookings: Needed by end of March – limit 20. Accommodation approx. $18 pp
staying in a lodge. Contact Janica on 06 752 0830 or email waiongona@clear.net.nz.
MAY SUNDAY 6: Grey-faced Petrel Reserve
Grey-faced Petrel Reserve at Rapanui. Beach walk fossil hunting walk and at 5pm watch the Petrels flying in at sunset.
Meet at: 3.00pm Rapanui Reserve Carpark
What to bring: Torch, warm clothes, snack (could be a late tea), KCC Passport
Low tide 3.46pm
More info: Contact Janica on 06 752 0830 or email waiongona@clear.net.nz
Manawatu/Rangitikei & Wanganui
FEBRUARY SATURDAY 25 - SUNDAY 26: Learn Bush Craft Skills and overnight camp
Come and learn Bush Craft skills with Paul Dekker an experienced bushman. Topics covered will be:- camp craft (setting up a camp site, water - where to get it and how to use/dispose of it, toileting etc), environmental care code (this will be a major focus for the younger children), food and cooking (cookers, fires), clothing and footwear, first-aid, river safety, emergency shelters and survival kits, maps and compasses.
We will be staying Saturday night at the Heritage Lodge in the scenic Oroua River valley of the Ruahine Forest Park. Hut fees are $5. the hut sleeps sixteen, if numbers exceed this some of us can camp. Full details will be provided on registration.
Bookings or more information: Phone Rowan (06) 354 1811 or email rowanbell@xtra.co.nz
MARCH SATURDAY 3:Tangimoana Beach
KCC will join with DoC and Forest & Bird at Tangimoana Beach for the afternoon, to look for katipo, skinks and banded dotterels and explore the wetlands which have some rare plants growing around them.
More information: Contact Chay 06 327 4369 or rangitikei@kcc.org.nz
APRIL SATURDAY 21:Turakina Bird Rescue
Meet with Rangitejkei and North Taranaki KCC at the Bird Recovery Centre, Turakina from 1pm to see tui, kereru, talking mynas and magpies, maybe a falcon, kiwi, or a hawk. For approx. $18/person, you can also join them for camping at Lake Wiritoa, for kayaking, etc.
Bookings or more information:Contact Janica on (06) 752 0830 or email waiongona@clear.net.nz
Wellington / Lower Hutt / Upper Hutt / Kapiti Events
Watch this space for our 2012 events
Marlborough
Watch this space for our 2012 events
Nelson/Tasman
FEBRUARY SUNDAY 19 2012: KCC Co-ordinators/Helpers and Family Day Out
We would like to invite those who have helped run KCC in 2011 and those who would be willing to help in 2012 to enjoy a day out swimming, kayaking and biking in the Moutere.
When: 11am to 3pm
Can you help us run our KCC branch during 2012? Could you...?
• Organise one KCC event/outing/visit during the year?
• Help mail out the paper copy of the newsletter?
• Send out welcome packs to new members to KCC?
• Help promote KCC at local events such as Ecofest, Godwits Festival etc?
• Apply for funding/sponsorship for KCC
Then we would love to have your help!
Contact Vikki Heays for further information (03) 548 8748 or email fe@nelcollege.school.nz
Golden Bay
Watch this space for our 2012 events
North Canterbury
A gold coin donation is appreciated to help support our volunteer run trips
North Canterbury KCC Newsletter - Click to Download
Bookings:
Please note that numbers are limited on most outings so bookings are essential.
To book for outings please email northcanterbury@kcc.org.nz with your details and what you wish to attend.
MARCH SATURDAY 3rd - SUNDAY 4th: Whales, Penguins, Marine Reserves. Overnight Le Bons Bay
Robin Smith from DOC will be there to show us how whale rescues go learn how to help a stranded one, evening walk to a lighthouse and see what the local kids have been doing for penguins.
You will need a tent or your own accommodation. Le Bon’s Bay community hall, good facilities a kitchen with fridge and freezer will be available to use
Cost: Approximate cost $10.00 per person includes BBQ meat/ vegetarian for Saturday night, coffee, tea, sugar etc. supper Saturday night.
MARCH SATURDAY 10: Godwits at the Spit South Brighton
See the birds close up through scopes with Ornithological Society members.
Why are the birds there, what do they eat let’s find out about their habitat too!
The tide table says this is a good time for spotting, we will meet probably about 4.30 pm.
MARCH SATURDAY 24: The Great Drain Ecological Survey by KCC Kids at Ohoka
Join us to discover what lurks in the drains and figure out food chains. You’ll need mud clothes gumboots. Bring a change of clothes a small towel. More information when you book.
MAY SATURDAY 5th - SUNDAY 6th: Overnight Camp; Salmon Spawning in the Rangitata. Find out about the RDR!
See strange fossils, visit the RDR, there will be a night walk, stars and night feeding critters as well as a ‘Staveley Challenge.’ Salmon should be spawning at Deep Stream. Walk to the top of Mt Sunday.
Cost: Camp cost approx. $22.00 per person for nice bunkroom accommodation at Staveley most of Saturday night dinner, tea, coffee, milk for drinks and biscuits.
Bookings: a $40.00 deposit per family to Eleanor 46 Huntsbury Ave. Ch. Ch. 8022 [Make cheques out to E. Bissell. KCC doesn’t have a bank account.]
Leaf Olympics. Was great fun this year; we will be holding another one in 2012.
No date yet but it will be May and held in Hagley Park. Book and we’ll send you information nearer the time.
MAY :SPCA Visit - Date to be confirmed.
Jasmine has an informative programme which tells kids why we need the SPCA and your responsibilities when you own a pet. Get to see animals in the pet barn. Please book.
JUNE: Insects at the Lincoln University Museum.
Date to be confirmed.
South Canterbury
For all bookings or more information: Win Parkes Ph: 03 6888195 email: ross.parkes@xtra.co.nz
Watch this space for our 2012 events
Dunedin
Dunedin KCC Newsletter - Click to Download
Watch this space for our 2012 events
Watch this space for our 2012 events
