First stop Te Kuiti for lunch. Second stop National Park.
Trek 1- Dactylanthus-hand pollinating. A first for me and an interesting project to help DOC safeguard and hopefully increase the range of this unique parasitic plant. Heading out from Turangi in five utes we are soon at the beginning of the trail,
 |
| Heading to the Dactylanthus habitat |
 |
| Dactylanthus above ground and caged to protect them |
 |
| Checking the Dactylanthus cages. |
 |
| Dactylanthus grows on the roots of a matai host tree |
 |
| Dactylanthus male flower with pollen |
 |
| Hand pollinating dactylanthus by spreading pollen. |
 |
| DOC staff and volunteers |
Trek 2
Lake Rotopounamu. We had missed circumnavigating this beautiful lake on several occasions but today was to be the day we finally crossed this stunning bush surrounded lake of our list. With interesting botany and birds it was sure to take us at least twice as long as most people to circumnavigate.
 |
| MINTS at first morning T spot. |
 |
| North Island robin |
 |
| North Island Robin |
Trek 3
A perfect blue sky day to explore Pukekaikiore volcanic cone. With no marked paths this was going to be a challenge.
Photos and more to follow.
