If you would like hard copies of the brochure please contact Kate O'Neill, ko'neill@doc.govt.nz Community Relations Ranger, Maniapoto Area Office and she will send them to you .

All bookings should be made by contacting the i-SITE Te Kuiti Visitor Information Centre (opening hours 9am-5pm). Phone: (07) 878 8077; Fax: (07) 878 5280; Email: pellowe@xtra.co.nz

For anyone who is interested in helping for any event listed, please give Kate a call/email and she'll try to arrange it with the relevant trip leader.

Program

Friday 11 January Pirongia Te Aroara o Kahu
9.30am - 12.00pm
Easy
Follow the picturesque nature walk at the end of Grey Road, Te Pahu and discover what steps Pirongia Te Aroara o Kahu Restoration Trust has already taken to control pests, using community volunteers, so that bird populations can thrive. Be enthralled by the beautiful Mangakaraa Stream, the stories of the area, and the fascinating flora and fauna, all of which make this a very special place for all. Bookings essential. Meet at the carpark beside the public toilets in Pironiga at 9.30am, There will be a short drive to the end of Grey Road Te Pahu. Maximum of 25 participants. Price: Adult $8; Child $3

Saturday 12 January Waipapa Ecological Area
10.00am - 4.00pm
Fit
Join a guided walk through the magnificent podocarp forest of Waipapa Ecological Area and take the opportunity to learn about the unique native flora and fauna of this special part of Pureora Forest Park. There is one stream crossing near the end of the walk so bring a change of footwear. Bring lunch, a drink, wet weather clothing and walking boots. Bookings essential. Meet at Pureora Forest Park Lodge, Waitaramoa Road at 9.30am (request map when booking). Maximum of 15 participants. This walk is suitable for adults only. Price: Adult $8

Saturday 12 January Go Batty in Pureora
7.00pm - 11.00pm
Medium
Join DOC and get out with a bat detector for a chance to find bats on the wing around Pureora Village. This a great opportunity to learn about one of our most fascinating native mammals - the long-tailed bat, and hopefully see them on the wing as they emerge to start their evening feeding flights. This is a great chance to visit Pureora by night, listen to the night noises of the forest and see banks and trees festooned with glowworms. Bookings essential. Meet at Pureora Field Centre, Barryville Road at 7pm (request map when booking). Bring warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a headlight (preferable) or torch. NOTE: This activity is weather and temperature dependent. Maximum of 20 participants. Price: Adult $8; Child $3

Sunday 13 January Glowworm Cave by Candlelight
7.00pm - 8.00pm
Easy
Take the whole family on a trip to discover one of New Zealand?s national treasures. Explore the passages of the Glowworm Cave by candlelight and capture some of the atmosphere that challenged the first explorers. Candles supplied. Bookings essential. Meet at the Glowworm Cave at 7.00pm. Maximum of 40 participants. Tickets must be prepaid. Price: Adult $8; Child $8

Monday 14 January Piro Piro - the trees, the loggers and the mill
9.15am - 4.00pm
Medium
By popular demand, another trip to unfold the secrets of Piro Piro is planned. This is an opportunity to learn more about the loggers, view the remnants of their tree-felling, take a short walk through regenerating bush and learn more of the history that surrounds the remaining mill site. This trip includes a guided tour through Endean's Mill. Travel will be by bus. Bring lunch and a cold drink. We will boil the billy at lunchtime. Bookings essential. Meet at DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti at 9.15am. The bus trip will take at least one hour. Maximum number 25 participants. Suitable walking shoes are essential and walks will be varied according to levels of fitness. Price: Adult $20; Child $10

Tuesday 15 January Whopper Weta Walk
9.00am - 4.00pm
Medium
Come to DOC's only gorse reserve and see if you can spot one of NZ's largest insects, the Mahoenui Giant Weta! This is a unique opportunity to photograph this special King Country icon in its home environment. Bring lunch, cold drink, sunscreen, sunhat, outdoor clothing and leather gloves for protection against the gorse. Bookings essential. Meet at 9am at the DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti or 9.15am at the Piopio Hall (45 mins travelling time to Mahoenui). Some transport available, please check when booking. Maximum of 20 participants. Minimum age 10 years (must be fit). Price: Adult $8; Child $3

Wednesday 16 January Go Batty in Pureora
7.00pm - 11.00pm
Medium
Join DOC and get out with a bat detector for a chance to find bats on the wing around Pureora Village. This a great opportunity to learn about one of our most fascinating native mammals - the long-tailed bat, and hopefully see them on the wing as they emerge to start their evening feeding flights. This is a great chance to visit Pureora by night, listen to the night noises of the forest and see banks and trees festooned with glowworms. Bookings essential. Meet at Pureora Field Centre, Barryville Road at 7pm (request map when booking). Bring warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a headlight (preferable) or torch. NOTE: This activity is weather and temperature dependent. Maximum of 20 participants. Price: Adult $8; Child $3

Wednesday 16 January Native Trees - Medicine of the Land
9.30am - 1.00pm
Easy
Led by Linda Daly, natural healer and supporter of the Pirongia Te Aroara o Kahu Restoration Trust, visit a special part of Pirongia mountain and learn more about the trees and their medicinal qualities. A picnic lunch will be provided. Bookings essential. Meet at the carpark beside the public toilets in Pirongia at 9.30am. There will be a short drive to the end of Grey Road Te Pahu. Maximum of 25 participants. Price: Adult $12; Child $5

Thursday 17 January Ruakuri - a Jewel in the Crown
10.45am - 4.30pm
Medium/Fit
An exploration of the Waitomo Stream and catchment, including a picnic lunch, a walk that includes a stream crossing, underground stream, cave entrances and a tourist cave experience. Bookings essential. Meet outside the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre at 10.45am. Short drive to Ruakuri. Maximum of 16 participants. Price: Adult $30; Child $18

Friday 18 January Spellbound
5.00pm - 9.00pm
Easy/ Medium
Join a small group for a friendly and personalised exploration of two caves with Spellbound. See beautiful cave decorations, mirror pools, crystals and have plenty of photo opportunities! You can take a really close look at glowworms and see them by raft. A sausage sizzle will be held between caves together with a hot drink! Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera and a warm jacket, the average cave temperature is 12°C. Bookings essential. Meet outside the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre at 5.00pm. 15 - 20 minute travelling time by minibus to and from the caves. Maximum of 12 participants. Price: Adult $15; Child $8

Saturday 19 January Waihaha Heli-walk
9.00am - 4.00pm
Fit
Don't miss this wonderful chance to fly by helicopter up the Waihaha Track to the Te Awati Forks on the Hauhungaroa Range. This 5 hour walk back to the road end takes you via the Waihaha Hut. Bring your swimming gear as there will be some opportunities to swim in the river. A guided walk can be arranged for the length of the walk, please state when booking if you wish to avail of this opportunity. Bookings essential. Meet at Waihaha Track road end carpark, Western Bays Road at 9am (request map when booking). Maximum of 60 participants. Minimum age of 10 years (must be fit). Bring warm clothing, good walking boots, lunch and a drink. Price: $65 per person (no family discounts)

Sunday 20 January Waihaha Heli-walk
9.00am - 4.00pm
Fit
Don't miss this wonderful chance to fly by helicopter up the Waihaha Track to the Te Awati Forks on the Hauhungaroa Range. This 5 hour walk back to the road end takes you via the Waihaha Hut. Bring your swimming gear as there will be some opportunities to swim in the river. A guided walk can be arranged for the length of the walk, please state when booking if you wish to avail of this opportunity. Bookings essential. Meet at Waihaha Track road end carpark, Western Bays Road at 9am (request map when booking). Maximum of 60 participants. Minimum age of 10 years (must be fit). Bring warm clothing, good walking boots, lunch and a drink. Price: $65 per person (no family discounts)

Sunday 20 January Waitomo Hotel History tour
11.00am - 1.00pm
Medium/ Fit
A rare opportunity to explore the Waitomo Caves Hotel's interesting architecture and history with a past General Manager of the Hotel and Caves. The tour is limited to 8 brave people as there are some difficult but interesting places to get to. Start with a walk around the outside of the hotel then up into the ceiling cavities and rooms, tour concludes with a visit to the tunnels under the hotel. You will need a torch or preferably a headlamp. Bookings essential. Meet outside the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre at 11am. 5 minute walk up to the hotel. Bring suitable footwear, clothing that gives flexibility of movement and a huge smile. Maximum of 8 people - minimum age 16 years. This tour is not suitable for anyone that does not have full flexibility of movement. Price: $15 per person

Monday 21 January Rangitoto Station & Rangitoto Trig
10am (Overnight)
Easy/ Medium
Don't miss the opportunity of an overnight stay at Rangitoto Station and the chance to walk to the Rangitoto Trig, hear the dawn chorus and catch a glimpse of the elusive kokako. Learn about predator control, assist with a bird survey and enjoy a venison sausage and billy-tea BBQ lunch. All activities will be geared to varied levels of fitness. Accommodation will be in the house, woolshed or in your own tent. Information sheets with list of what to bring will be posted once bookings are confirmed. Bookings essential. Meet at the Otorohanga Railway Station, Wahanui Cres, Otorohanga at 9.45am. 60 minute travelling time to Rangitoto Station and some transport may be available, please check when booking. Maximum of 25 participants. Dinner will be supplied but bring your own lunch (for Day 1) and breakfast. Price: Adult $22; Child $14

Tuesday 22 January Rangitoto Station & Rangitoto Trig
2.30pm (Overnight)
Easy/ Medium
Don't miss the opportunity of an overnight stay at Rangitoto Station and the chance to walk to the Rangitoto Trig, hear the dawn chorus and catch a glimpse of the elusive kokako. Learn about predator control, assist with a bird survey and enjoy a venison sausage and billy-tea BBQ lunch. All activities will be geared to varied levels of fitness. Accommodation will be in the house, woolshed or in your own tent. Information sheets with list of what to bring will be posted once bookings are confirmed. Bookings essential. Meet at the Otorohanga Railway Station, Wahanui Cres, Otorohanga at 9.45am. 60 minute travelling time to Rangitoto Station and some transport may be available, please check when booking. Maximum of 25 participants. Dinner will be supplied but bring your own lunch (for Day 1) and breakfast. Price: Adult $22; Child $14

Wednesday 23 January Koropupu
9.30am - 4.00pm
Medium
Assist DOC survey a threatened Teucridium parvifolium population at Koropupu Scenic Reserve. Take a walk through the Koropupu Gorge to look at the Koropupu Cave and see glow worms. A picnic lunch will be provided. This activity includes an hour long stream walk, so bring boots and torches. Bookings essential. Meet at 9.30am at the DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti. 30 minutes travelling time to the road end. Maximum of 20 participants. Price: Adult $12; Child $5

Thursday 24 January Fossils at Taumatatotara
9.00am - 3.30pm
Medium
Take this opportunity to hunt for and examine Jurassic deposits containing belemnite (possibly ammonite) fossils. Historical commentary including handouts. Bring plastic bags, newspaper (to wrap your finds), lunch and drink. Suitable footwear, sunhat, sunscreen and a pair of cheap rubber gloves are also essential. It is recommended to wear clothing (or be able to change into clothing at the site) that covers both legs and arms due to possible giant nettles at this time of year. Bookings essential. Meet outside the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre at 9am. There is a 30 minute drive to car parking site and a further walk across public conservation land and private land to the fossil site. Maximum of 25 participants. Price: Adult $8; Child $3