Saturday early morning field trip:   (Own transport or carpool)

Pauatahanui Inlet, Porirua

Pauatahanui Inlet, Porirua, is the magical location chosen by the Convention Committee for the early morning (6 am) field trip on Saturday 31 October. Here there are endless photo opportunities for photographers of all tastes and inclinations and you will not be disappointed.

At the western end of the inlet are numerous boatsheds of all sizes, colours and descriptions that provide ample subject material for the pictorial photographer. The early morning mist rising off the still waters, the reflections of hulls at anchor and the maritime ambience of this boat lover’s paradise can all be easily captured.

Pauatahanui Nature Reserve can be found at the eastern end of the inlet where well defined tracks lead to several well-built hides which allow keen nature photographers to get up close and personal with the various birds that frequent this area.

And to top off your visit, hot tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided at the nature reserve car park.
 

Saturday afternoon field trip options are:  (Buses provided)

Staglands Wildlife Reserve

Wander around the reserve and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that is jam packed with photographic opportunities including two walk through aviaries, trout pools, wetlands, and animals galore.

Staglands spreads over 10ha of land featuring streams, ponds, hills and gullies which have been created and developed over the years. A special feature is the old bush settlement, which gives visitors an interesting insight into what life was like for early settlers in NZ. There is a strong emphasis on water, which can be seen and heard throughout the reserve. It has been carefully laid out to retain the natural beauty and character of the landscape and the buildings designed to compliment that landscape.

Staglands takes a holistic approach to create a balanced ecosystem, e.g. water, soil, plants, insects and birds. Extensive re-vegetation is being continuously undertaken along with supplementary feeding to encourage many species of native birds and insects. These include; pigeons, tui, white heads, bellbirds, tomtits, cuckoos, falcons, fantails, red and yellow admirals and copper butterflies.

http://www.staglands.co.nz

Silver Stream Railway

Take a ride to Silver Stream Station!

Directly adjacent to the conference venue is the Silver Stream Railway Museum.  The photo opportunities here are just awesome. There will be a steam engine working on the day taking carriages back and forth down the purpose built track. We will also have the opportunity to walk the track prior to the train running, to a special photographers area developed by the railway enthusiasts. Here you will have a clear view of the steam engine as it rounds the bend and appears to travel straight towards you.

If this is not enough, there is also a fully restored station platform, with period luggage stacked up waiting to be taken on it's journey, ticket collectors and other station staff dressed in full uniform, and models in period costume making this a must go photographic opportunity. There are also viewing areas suitable for taking photographs from above the track looking down on the trains, the water tower and the station platform.

For those who are interested there may also be short tours around the facilities.

http://www.silverstreamrailway.org.nz/

Efil Doog

A highly regarded garden of international renown. See this beautiful garden and enjoy the art and facilities. All designed with imagination and humour - a series of interconnected outdoor and indoor features combining to a harmonious and breathtaking whole. View rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials.

Wander the walks. Sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility of picturesque settings in this large and unique garden. Ponder on the large leafed rhododendrons on the riverbank that will grow to 20 metres and eventually become magnificent forest giants. Relax to the whisper of the mountain stream and breathe the clean fresh mountain air. Experience and relax in the joy of bird song and the cacophony of abundant frogs. Reflect on the butterflies, moths and dragon flies flitting over the ponds and plantings. Contemplate intriguing sculpture placed in settings of rare beauty and floral colour framed within bush clad hills. Polynesian sculptures are well represented in the garden.

Finally and Beware !
Be most vigilant when approaching the mystical forest home of the capricious Aka - Trolls.

Efil Doog is a garden for the young and old, the garden hobbyist or professional plants person and anyone else who loves and admires nature's abounding beauty. Truly, Efil Doog is a garden where wonderful surprises never cease.

http://www.efildoog-nz.com/
 

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