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2022 Field Trips


Day trips to locations in the Wellington region are usually held on the first Saturday of each month.   Extended excursions are usually held at New Year, first weekend in February and Easter.

The following programme is SUBJECT TO CHANGE.   If you wish to join a Saturday trip, please tell the trip leader on the Thursday p.m. at the latest, or if you wish to join an over-night trip, please tell the trip leader on the Wednesday p.m. at the latest, so that the leader can:
~   contact our hosts, if we are visiting a private area, to confirm the visit
~   print enough copies of a plant species list, if one has been prepared for the site.

Remember the weather can be changeable on field trips.   Sun hat, balaclava, waterproof / windproof parka, may all be used on a day trip.

Non-members are welcome to join us on our field trips.

Click here to get more information about attending field trips and recommended trip gear.



2022 Programme



22–29 January 2022 :   Summer Camp – Katikati, Bay of Plenty

The northwest Bay of Plenty is fringed by the densely forested Kaimai Range which slopes down to Tauranga’s extensive harbour, with many wetland opportunities.   Forest trees include puriri, kohekohe, rimu and rewarewa.   Possible field trips: McLaren Falls; Aongatete Loop tracks; Tuahu Track – kauri; Homunga Bay – coastal pohutukawa forest; Mt Te Aroha – high altitude vegetation; possibly Matakana Island; Wharawhara; Lindeman Loop.
  • Base camp:   Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre, near Katikati.   https://www.aongateteoec.co.nz/.   Breakfasts & lunches will be prepared by BotSoccers on a roster system.   Dinners will be catered.   Please make your own arrangements if you have special dietary needs.
  • Accommodation:   bunk-rooms; camping; all $18/person/night.
  • Transport:   Transport from Tauranga Airport (40 minute drive) to be arranged.
  • Maps:   NZTopo50-BC36 Katikati, NZTopo50-BD36 Lower Kaimai, NZTopo50-BD37 Tauranga, NZTopo50-BD38 Maketu.
  • Booking:   Booking ESSENTIAL.   Book early!   Preference will be given to members of Wellington BotSoc.   Please either download registration form here for pdf version, or here for doc version, or print the registration form at the end of the September newsletter.   Please send your completed form email to Frances Forsyth on, or by, 15 November - the last BotSoc meeting of the year.
  • Deposit:   $430.00 per person to be paid at time of registration by internet banking.
  • Contact:   Frances Forsyth, phone 021 0725210, or 04 3848891, email francesmjforsyth@gmail.com.


Saturday 12 February:   Field trip – Tuapaka/Hutton’s Covenant, Te Horo

PLEASE NOTE: This field trip has been postponed due to weather forecast.
Jim Matheson and Sarah MacLean own Tuapaka / Hutton’s Covenant, Te Horo.   9 ha of lowland forest on a steep slope above the Otaki floodplain.   The site has received possum and rat control for the past 20 years and has been regenerating very well.   Please be aware that the covenant is primarily in place to protect the nationally critical snail species, Powelliphanta traversi otakia, which exists in only one other known site besides Tuapaka.   We must stay on the tracks in the bush to avoid off-track travel to reduce the risk of trampling snails.
  • Map:   Parkmap Tararua 274-02, scale 1:100 000 Infomap series.
  • Meet:   9.45 a.m. at north-end car park, Waikanae Station.   Car-pool: Travel in convoy to site.   Train: 8.14 a.m. train on Kapiti Line from Wellington Station to Waikanae Station.
  • Leader:   Eleanor Burton 021 0588 324, email esmeraldadoris93 (at) gmail.com.   Co-leader: Kate Jordan 027 899 0018, email wellingtonbotsocsecretary (at) gmail.com.


Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 March:   Field trip – Wairarapa: Tora; Timbrel Farm

PLEASE NOTE: This field trip has been postponed due to COVID-19.
Day 1: Tora coastal escarpment
Botanise the most intact example of a modified but regenerating KNE site, a remnant of the original titoki - ngaio forest type, critically endangered in the Wellington region with 3% remaining.   Its vegetation is heavily influenced by its location on a seaward-facing coastal escarpment in a warm, semi-arid climate and surrounded by pasture land.   The covenanted KNE 9.6 ha site is spread out across three titles whose owners are committed to its restoration and protection.   See regionally endangered rengarenga lily / Arthropodium cirratum, whau / Entelea arborescens (both likely introduced by early Maori inhabitants of the area) and speargrass / Aciphylla squarrosa and a regenerating understorey with ferns and orchids.   See www.gw.govt.nz/assets/council-publications/Key-Native-Ecosystem-Plan-Tora-Coast-Bush.pdf.
  • Map:   NZTopo50—BQ34 Martinborough.
  • Meet:   Featherston 9 a.m., park along SH53 before the rail crossing.   The road to Tora is long, narrow, winding and unsealed for the last 30 minutes.   Please have a full tank of petrol when we leave Martinborough.   There is an Alliance petrol station there.   Sites are below road between river estuary, road and beach among lupins, or further south near road.   Be aware: site is exposed in a northwesterly.   The weather will be a consideration for the site visit due to the escarpment’s exposure to southerly storms.   Botanising at this site is very close to the camp-site and can be as gentle or adventurous as you wish so would suit all fitness levels and ages.   There are ephemeral wetlands near campsite, or across river near coastal turfs at Te Kaukau Point seal haul-out.
  • Accommodation:   Basic camping.   The toilet is new but bring loo paper and hand sanitiser.   There is no water at Tora—please bring 20 litres with you.
  • Dinner:   You are welcome to do your own thing or we can do a pot-luck.
  • Co-leaders:   Co-leaders: Owen Spearpoint, phone 027 285 8083, email owen.spearpoint (at) gw.govt.nz; Jenny Fraser, phone 027 358 0073, email jennyjfraser (at) gmail.com.

Day 2: Timbrel Farm
Botanise a site not botanised before.   It comprises mature forest and wetlands alongside Makara River and its tributaries in Huangarua catchment, seepage wetlands on hillsides and large areas of regenerating scrub / shrubland.   The forest type is mixed beech forest with occasional podocarp broadleaved forest on valley floors.   There is good foot access via 4wd tracks to most of farm. While relatively sheltered and valley faces northeast, Timbrel Farm, on margins of Aorangi Range, has a mid-range altitude so it can be misty, wet, windy, cold.
  • Map:   Map: NZTopo50—BQ34 Martinborough.
  • Depart:   Tora at 9 a.m. along Tora Rd, then White Rock Rd to wind farm, then turn off to Timbrel Station along Range Rd, then Paruwai Rd into Mākara valley.   Cross bridge, turn left up river a short distance to Timbrel Station.
  • Meet:   farmer at 10.00 a.m.   Both botanising sites are isolated and remote.   Bring spare clothes, lunches, thermos, water, scroggin, sturdy boots, parka, leggings, warm clothes and warm hat, longs, gloves.   If forecast is wet or too windy we will cancel.
  • Co-leaders:   Co-leaders: Owen Spearpoint, phone 027 285 8083, email owen.spearpoint (at) gw.govt.nz; Jenny Fraser, phone 027 358 0073, email jennyjfraser (at) gmail.com.


Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 April:   Field trip – Ocean Beach; Te Rata Rd Covenant, South Wairarapa

PLEASE NOTE: This field trip has been postponed due to COVID-19.
Day 1: Ocean Beach
Botanise remote valleys and coast at Ocean Beach, Palliser Bay.   Alternative options in case of access or weather problems are:   i) Botanise two streams in Mukamuka Valley and/or coastline south to Windy Point.   See colonies of Chionochloa beddei and nikau / Rhopalostylis sapida, sea holly / Eryngium vesiculosum, and if we are lucky, the only North Island site of Carex appressa.   ii) Botanise upper reaches of Wharekauhau Stream bush upstream about 3 km.   We’ll drive up to start of bush and botanise an area of coastal and beech forest not visited before.   Some 4wd transport has been organised for both options but bring yours if you have one.

Day 2: Te Rata Road QE2 covenant
Visit a sheltered remnant of mature lowland kahikatea swamp forest on a branch of Turanganui River.   Much of forest floor will likely be dry.   Trip is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
  • Map:   NZTopo50-BQ32 Lower Hutt; NZTopo50-BQ33 Lake Wairarapa.
  • Meet:   10.00 a.m. at junction of Kahutara / Lake Ferry Road.
  • Co-leaders:   Co-leaders: Owen Spearpoint, phone 027 285 8083, email owen.spearpoint (at) gw.govt.nz. Sunita Singh, phone 027 4052 9876, email sunita (at) actrix.co.nz.


Saturday 7 May:   Field trip – Forest Loop Walk, Whareroa Farm Reserve

A return visit to Whareroa Farm Reserve, this time to take a close look at the Forest Loop Walk, with its big kohekohe and diverse understorey.   If you’re keen to stretch your legs, you can explore Matai Bush and the Dell.   Lara will lead the main group, while Leon will begin with a session for those new to learning native plants.


Saturday 11 June:   Field trip – Tuapaka / Hutton’s Covenant, Te Horo

PLEASE NOTE: This field trip has been postponed due to weather forecast.
Jim Matheson and Sarah MacLean own Tuapaka / Hutton’s Covenant in Te Horo – 9 ha of lowland forest on a steep slope above the Otaki floodplain.   The site has had possum and rat control for the past twenty years and has been regenerating very well.   Please be aware that the covenant is primarily to protect the Nationally Critical snail species Powelliphanta traversi otakia, which exists in only one other known site.   There are several tracks in the bush – we will stay on them to reduce the risk of trampling snails.
  • Meet:   9.45 a.m. Waikanae Station, north-end car park.   Car pool: then travel in convoy to site.   Train: 8.14 a.m. Kapiti Line train Wellington to Waikanae.
  • Co-Leaders:   Eleanor Burton, phone 021 0588 324, email esmeraldadoris93 (at) gmail.com.; and Kate Jordan, phone 027 899 0018, email kateljordan (at) gmail.com.


Saturday 18 June:   Field trip – Te Marua Bush, Upper Hutt

In partnership with Greater Wellington, BotSoc has been committed since 1989 to do weed control and revegetation in this important matai / totara / maire remnant in Kaitoke Regional Park.   Our biannual workbees must continue so that we keep ahead of re-invasion by weeds, particularly around the plantings, so please come to help with this important work.   Bring weeding gear: gloves, kneeler, weed bag, and your favourite weeding tools, e.g., trowel, hand fork, grubber, loppers, pruning saw, jemmy.   There may be some planting as well.
  • Maps:   NZTopo50-BP32 Paraparaumu; street map.
  • Meet:   Te Marua Bush, 9.30 a.m. (250 m north of Te Marua Store) and then left, off SH2 for 50 m, on Twin Lakes Rd, Kaitoke Regional Park.   Catch; 8.05 a.m. Hutt line train Wellington to Upper Hutt – ring the leader to arrange to be met at Upper Hutt Station.
  • Co-Leaders:   Glennis Sheppard, phone 526 7450;   Sue Millar, phone 526 7440.


Saturday 2 July:   Field trip – Whakanui Track, Remutaka Forest Park

Botanise hillside forest in southern Wainuiomata.   The track is good and though steep, we’ll climb it at botanists’ pace, because the forest is diverse.   Climb as far you like – if you reach 550+ m you may see raukawa / Raukaua edgerleyi.


Saturday 6 August:   Field trip – Mangaroa Valley, Upper Hutt

This field trip replaces a previously advertised field trip to Papaparaumu Scenic Reserve which will be rescheduled.
Botanise a 20-ha native forest at 419A Katherine Mansfield Drive - mature beech, podocarp and broadleaved forest with numerous understorey species.   Bring lunch, thermos, scroggin, sturdy footwear, warm clothes and be equipped for rain.
  • Maps:   NZTopo50-BP32 Paraparaumu, NZTopo50-BQ32 Lower Hutt, street map.
  • Meet:   9.30 a.m. at Wallaceville rail station.   There is no public transport to the site.   Hutt line train from Wellington Station at 8.35 a.m., alight at Wallaceville Station.   Car-pool there to travel to site in convoy.
  • Co-Leaders:   Leon Perrie, phone 027 419 1378, email leon.perrie (at) tepapa.govt.nz>; Lara Shepherd, phone 027 363 5854, email lara.shepherd (at) tepapa.govt.nz.


Saturday 3 September:   Field trip – Kiripiti Scientific Reserve, Old Hautere Rd, Otaki
(NOTE - This Trip has been postponed to Saturday 10th September due to weather forecast.)

Botanise this 2 ha reserve of second-growth lowland forest.   Canopy: totara, matai, titoki plus a dense understorey of small trees and shrubs, e.g., Lophomyrtus obcordata, Streblus banksii, Coprosma crassifolia, etc., plus a suite of weeds.   Fenced off in 1971; last BotSoc visit in 1977 to assist with a plot survey.
Time permitting, return via Rangi’s Bush cemetery, north of Whenuatapu Cemetery to botanise a 4.14 ha remnant of lowland kohekohe forest.   See WBS Bulletin 45 re 1983 visit by Maggy Wassilieff et al.
  • Meet:   9.45 a.m. Waikanae Railway Station north-end car park; Convoy travel to Otaki Forks Road, Junction SH1, at 10.20 a.m.   Train: 8.14 a.m. Kapiti Line train Wellington to Waikanae.
  • Leader:   Mick Parsons, phone 027 249 9663, email parsonsroad (at) gmail.com.


Saturday 1 October:   Field trip – Tuapaka / Hutton’s Covenant, Te Horo

Jim Matheson and Sarah MacLean own Tuapaka/Hutton’s Covenant in Te Horo — 9 ha of lowland forest on a steep slope above the Otaki floodplain.   The site has had possum and rat control for the past twenty years and has been regenerating very well.   Please be aware that the covenant is primarily to protect the Nationally Critical snail species Powelliphanta traversi otakia, which exists in only one other known site.   There are several tracks in the bush — we will stay on them to reduce the risk of trampling snails.
  • Meet:   9.45 a.m. Waikanae Station, north-end car park.   Car pool—then travel in convoy to site.   Train: 8.14 a.m. Kapiti Line train Wellington to Waikanae.
  • Leaders:   Eleanor Burton, phone: 021 0588 324, email: esmeraldadoris93 (at) gmail.com, and Kate Jordan, phone 027 899 0018, email kateljordan (at) gmail.com.


Saturday 12 November:   Field trip – Botanical foray of saline wetlands, Eastern Wairarapa – NOTE SECOND SATURDAY

The wetland is small and surrounded by rank pasture, and pine plantation, with regenerating scrub within a deer fence.   There is beech forest nearby which we will survey if time permits.   There is no cell-phone coverage at the wetland, but some coverage on nearby high points.   The site is at c.500 m elevation and cool to cold, so bring sturdy boots with ankle support, warm clothes, hat, gloves, leggings, parka.   Also bring a warm drink, plenty of snacks and lunch.   If you have access to a 4WD, are a 4WD-trained driver and would like to help ferry people to the site, please tell Owen.   We will leave the site at 3–3.30 p.m. in convoy to the sealed road, for safety reasons.   A maximum of five vehicles will be used, a total of 20 seats.   Please tell Owen if you can take a 4WD.
  • Meet:   9.30 a.m. in the layby 50m north of junction of Te Whiti and Admiral roads, Gladstone, south-east of Carterton.   Access: via Craigie Lea forest by 4WD vehicles only.   We will travel in convoy from Gladstone along Tupurupuru Te Wharau (Flat Point) Rd to Te Wharau along East Coast Rd, and then onto Craigie-Lea Rd.   It is then 5 minutes along Craigie-Lea Rd before proceeding along 4wd farm and then forestry roads.   The 4 km forestry road is difficult if very wet, but under normal conditions is okay for most 4WD vehicles with good clearance and tyres with good tread.   Bring a hi-viz vest if you have one, and if you do not, please tell Owen.
  • Map:   Map: NZTopo50-BP34 Te Wharau.
  • Leader:   Owen Spearpoint, phone 027 285 8083, or email: email Owen.Spearpoint (at) gw.govt.nz.


Saturday 19 November:   Field trip – Te Marua Bush workbee, Upper Hutt

In partnership with Greater Wellington, BotSoc has been committed since 1989 to do weed control and revegetation in this important matai / totara / black maire remnant in Kaitoke Regional Park.   Our biennial workbees must continue so that we keep ahead of re-invasion by weeds, particularly around the plantings, so please come to help with this important work.   Bring weeding gear: gloves, kneeler, weed bag, and your favourite weeding tools, e.g., trowel, hand fork, grubber, loppers, pruning saw, jemmy.   There may be some planting as well.
  • Maps:   NZTopo50-BP32 Paraparaumu; street map.
  • Meet:   Te Marua Bush, 9.30 a.m. at Te Marua Bush (250 m north of Te Marua Store and then left, off SH2 for 50 m, on Twin Lakes Rd, Kaitoke Regional Park).   Train: 8.05 a.m. Hutt line train Wellington to Upper Hutt – ring the leader to arrange to be met at Upper Hutt Station.
  • Co-Leaders:   Glennis Sheppard, phone 526 7450;   Sue Millar, phone 526 7440.


Saturday 3 December:   Field trip – Rata walk, Lower Hutt

A casual 4.5 km morning stroll through Lower Hutt viewing the flowering rata (Metrosideros spp.) and other impressive native trees in the streets and gardens.   Walk will begin and end at railway stations so public transport use is encouraged.   The walk will also be done as an after-work event on 1 December.   Check the Wild Plants of Wellington Facebook page nearer the time.
  • Meet:   Oxford Terrace side of Waterloo Station, 9.30am.   Train: 9.05 a.m. Hutt Valley Line Wellington to Waterloo.
  • Leader:   Kate Jordan, phone 027 899 0018, email kateljordan (at) gmail.com.


2023 Programme



21–28 January 2023 :   Summer Camp – The Catlins, Coastal Otago

Catlins has a wide variety of ecosystems from coastal and estuary areas to alpine areas.   Highlights include the petrified forest of Curio Bay and old podocarp forest of McLean Falls.   Read the recent write-up on the Tautuku catchment, by Brian Rance and John Barkla https://tinyurl.com/f5xas9vm.
Possible field trips: Curio Bay (petrified forest), Waipapa (coastal turf), Lake Wilkie and Lenz Reserve, Catlins River Track (subalpine), Cannibal and Surat Bay (sand dunes), Papatowhai (estuary) and MacLean Falls (old forest).
  • Base camp:   Kotuku Camp, Tautuku Outdoor Education Centre.   https://www.youthadventure.org.nz/camps/tautuku/.   Breakfasts & lunches will be prepared by BotSoccers on a roster system.   Dinners and deserts will be catered.   Vegetarians, dairy-free and vegan catered for if advised — if you have other special dietary needs please make your own arrangements.
  • Accommodation: bunk-rooms: $36/person/night; camping: $36/person/night (no fires).
  • Transport: Participants to arrange their own transport to and from camp.   Transport will be available from Dunedin Airport – please indicate if you need this on the registration form.
  • Booking: Booking ESSENTIAL.   Book early!   Preference will be given to members of Wellington BotSoc.   Please either download registration form here for pdf version, or here for doc version, or print the registration form at the end of the September newsletter.   Please email your completed form to botsocsummercamp@gmail.com by 25 November.
  • Deposit: $550.00 per person to be paid at time of registration by internet banking.   At the end of the trip, depending on the final cost, you will be sent an invoice (or a refund) for the full cost less your original payment.
  • Maps:   NZTopo50: CG13 Clinton, CG14 Owaka, CG15 Nugget Point, CH12 Waipapa Point, CH13 Curio Bay. Doc information https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/catlins-coastal-area/.
  • Contact:   botsocsummercamp (at) gmail.com.
 

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