How is it that there can be places which are completely overwhelming, and totally calming at the same time? Recently, Mum and I hiked down the verdant Hollyford Valley. This gem…
Browsing Category
New Zealand
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Why are New Zealand’s native birds so easily decimated by introduced pests like stoats, weasels, and rats? It’s not just that the rascals find birds’ eggs delicious. There are a few other factors…
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NZ Conservation week is coming up this month, offering plenty of ways to foster a strong conservation ethic in our kids. Why is it important to get children involved in conservation? We…
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Here’s a fabulous short walk at the Whangarei Heads, two hours drive north of Auckland. New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has started promoting several tracks around the country which are remarkable as…
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Kauri trees are unique to northern New Zealand. Their enormous height and girth are seriously impressive when they are ‘fully grown’, but unfortunately that has contributed to their downfall – most…
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The DoC hut at Peach Cove, Whangarei Heads is very popular with families – many young children have their first ever overnight tramping experience here. We took Nate (4) recently and…
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There’s something awesome about the way that children look at art. They don’t have any pre-conceived ideas about the ways things ‘should’ be, as we often do. Children just take things…
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Here in NZ we’ve got plenty of opportunities to get our kids out playing in the snow over winter. From the North Island’s Central Plateau to the Southern Alps…to Snowplanet in…
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Over spring, and now into summer, Nate has been fascinated by the innovative, yet pushy antics of the shining cuckoo (pipiwharauroa). He wanted to know why birds sing, and we talked…
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I’ve recently had a few Auckland mamas ask me about ideas for places to take the kids for a fun family hike on the weekend. Not too far out of town,…
