Camp Kiwi

The percentage of New Zealanders, or ‘kiwis’, who will hear or see the iconic kiwi bird in their lifetime is small - dismally so. While we proclaim our kiwi status to the world with pride, few of us have ever got close enough to this bird’s earthy cry or night exploration to understand what being a ‘kiwi’ actually means.

That is, until now. Through the proposed Camp Kiwi concept, the Blue Orb Charitable Trust team aims to turn that situation around by offering all New Zealanders and their guests this opportunity to make a real kiwi connection. Based here in the Department of Conservation Scenic Reserve at Whangaruru North Head, this site is custom-made for a true ‘kiwi’ experience.

Recent kiwi call count surveys indicate relatively healthy numbers of brown kiwi inhabit the area. DOC undertakes predator and possum control in the reserve and the local community along with the department also trap for predators and pests throughout the remainder of the Whangaruru Peninsula. The site is also home to the native brown teal duck, or pateke (Anas chlorotis); a colony of flax snails, or pupuharakeke (Placostylus hongii); and Australasian bittern, or matuku-hurepo (Botaurus poiciloptilus).

Sixty-three archaeological sites are recorded in the reserve, mainly along the western and southern shore but also along the high ridges. Ten of these recorded sites are pa while the rest are either undefended terrace sites or middens. These provide a valuable historical context to the landscape. Whangaruru North Head is also significant as the site of the first permanent European settlement on the Whangaruru Harbour and has a long history of industry such as logging, fishing and whaling.

The immediate and wider environments offer a myriad of opportunities for visitors to explore the natural beauty of Aotearoa.