Field Trip: Working Bee Pureora 11-13th October 2024

Pureora Forest : Image Madeleine Brennan DOC

Pureora working bee with the Pirongia Restoration Society

Friday the 11th of October to Sunday 13th of October 2024

Dianne from the Pirongia Restoration Society is organising another working bee trip to the Pureora Forest from the 11-13th of October.

The weekend starts on Friday night with people gathering and the safety briefing by Dianne and her team.  Saturday morning starts bright and early with people getting ready to carpool to the Okahukura site – several kms from the OEC along a metal road – high vehicle clearance and preferably 4WD, though 2WD will cope!

It’s a big day, but worth it as you often hear and sometimes see Kōkako. The bush is quite different, the tracks well marked and the support is excellent. There are different lines depending on fitness levels and people are paired up according to their abilities.  Some people and their gear are transported via 4WD or LUV vehicles to the start of the lines and will be picked up later in the day. There is a steady stream of people being transported around the 14 km loop and the area that covers 1000 Ha’s of predator controlled area.

Return to the Okahukura base at the end of the day and you are met with home baking and a cold drink. You are then car-pooled back to the OEC. There is always an option to stay a second night and sometimes lines to be finished on the Sunday morning.

All in all a great experience and some awesome people.

ACCOMmODATION

There is no cost for accommodation at the Pureora Forest Park Lodge, as the Pirongia Society has generously covered all expenses. You can check out the lodge’s facilities through this link. The lodge can accommodate 50-60 people indoors, and it also offers ample tent space and parking for campervans/caravans. Additionally, there are four unisex showers and a spacious, well-equipped kitchen.

Pureora Lodge

SCHEDULE

Friday: Arrive anytime after 4:30 pm and before 7:45 pm for a safety briefing. In the meantime, there's an opportunity to cook your evening meal and relax with a glass of wine. During the briefing, you'll be advised about the bait line(s) you are to empty, gather the necessary safety gear provided, and meet your teammate. All arrangements are sorted before the weekend. Typically, University Science students, who assist, go out around 9:30 pm to walk the Waipapa loop, returning at about 10:30 pm.

Saturday: Breakfast is self-catered. Be ready for a group photo at 7:25 am, and departure from the Lodge is at 7:30 am. We'll then form a convoy in larger vehicles for a further 40-45 minute drive along 16 km of dirt road to reach the base of our operation. For those heading further up the eastern side, they can continue in their vehicles. Others will start walking up a track through the middle of the valley to reach the lines on the western side. Those with the farthest walk (i.e., the very north of the block) will get a ride in an LUV to reach their destination faster – it's a 6 km stretch from top to bottom of the grid.

Everyone will be given a return time to the base by the end of the day, or to at least be on the roads heading back to the base. As soon as enough people return to fill a vehicle, it will head back to the Lodge. In the evening, we'll have a potluck dinner (so bring along something to share).

Sunday:  Repeat the process of Saturday if not all the bait stations have been emptied (we need at least 60 people on a Saturday to achieve this).  A small team will go back to the base and visit those lines still to do – usually nearby. Returning to the Lodge about 1pm. Those who remained at the lodge are responsible for the lodge clean-up. Then we all pack up and depart.

If the whole grid has been covered on Saturday then volunteers can opt to leave on Saturday afternoon/evening or stay the night and leave on Sunday morning after the cleaning has been completed – allow 1 hour for cleaning.

There is every chance you will hear Kōkako. We know their territories are more or less evenly distributed across the valley. Three of them are frequently seen around the base about 4-6 pm and often heard at the Lodge before breakfast.  

Other walking opportunities: The Totara Loop walk in Pureora village starts at the Timber Trail carpark. It takes about 30 minutes; or visit the treetop tower a short drive east from here; and further up SH30 is the parking area to walk to Pouakani, the biggest Totara.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

please note that this working bee is be organised by the pirongia society and not project tongariro - you must contact them directly using the register now button below.

Please click on the register now button below and fill out the registration form by no later than Tuesday the 1st of October 2024.  Once Dianne from the Pirongia Restoration Society, has received your registration she will get back to you with further volunteer information such as a gear list and driving instructions to the Pureora Forest Park Lodge. 

You must have a good level of tramping fitness, be able to carry a day pack, some first aid experience and bush navigation skills.