adventurealive
Rich & Elaine's Overseas AdventuresNature in New ZealandWe personally have a huge interest in New Zealand’s natural history, living amongst it in the heart of the Southern Alps and have spent many years guiding visitors and introducing them to our countries special treats we love so much. Rich is an enthusiastic photographer and thoroughly enjoys meeting and sharing ideas with like minded enthusiasts.
 The diversity of New Zealand’s natural environment spreads from the Sub Tropical North to the Sub Antarctic Islands in the Southern Ocean. When the first settlers arrived by canoe from the Eastern Polynesian Islands in 1350AD the Long-tail and Short-tail Bat was the only native mammal. Man has changed all of that, bringing species upon species to deal with other species as only man can do. The country’s natural beauty is always an unexpected surprise for the overseas adventure traveler - and us when we return home from yet another adventure. Many a conversation starts with “if only I had known how amazing this country is I would have arranged to stay longer” - true - seeing is believing and we can vouch for that.  The natural history ranges from the famous Kiwi, a small flightless nocturnal native bird, to the Yellow Eyed Penguins nesting in the hills on Banks Peninsula and the Otago Peninsula, to the Fiordland Crested Penguins found along the Fiords on the Southern West Coast. Royal Penguins are also found occasionally along the Otago coast. Our Bookstore for a Selection of
The Little Blue Penguin is the world’s smallest penguin and is found in both New Zealand and Southern Australia. Its main breeding sites are in the Hauraki Gulf and Northland but this protected native species can be found right around the shores of the Bay of Plenty. They are also found in the waters along the Otago Coast and extend to the West Coast of the South Island  where the White Heron and Spoonbill’s are found in their natural habitat in the World Heritage Park Area. On the Kaikoura Coast you can view Sperm Whales resting between dives, you can swim with the beautiful Fur Seals in shallow bays and swim or view the playful dolphins fondly referred to as acrobatic stars frolicking in the ocean. The only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world is on the Otago Peninsula where you can see these magnificent birds on their nests, seals, Blue Penguins and up to 20 species of bird and marine life can also be seen in this natural and otherwise inaccessible environment. New Zealand’s native parrot the Kea can be seen soaring high in the mountains of the South Island and also at mountain roadside spots such as the Homer Tunnel enroute to Milford Sound and also at Arthurs Pass.  The virgin native forests are untouched and grand, lush ferns, mosses and lichens hug the forest floors and offer food aplenty for the native birds which are small and beautifully camouflaged. Bellbirds, Tuis, Parakeets, Tom Tits, Rifleman and Fantails to mention a few, take refuge in these protected New Zealand forests. New Zealand’s natural areas are easily accessible through their close proximity and the great work done by the Department of Conservation (DOC) who manage our 14 National Parks and provide tracks, bridges, huts and adequate signage for everyone to use at minimal cost. Rich& Elaine's Home Page ---> <--- New Zealand |
