Nga Manu
In Waikanae they have the Nga Manu nature reserve. I’d never been to it, and saw a good review, so decided to give it a visit.
$15 entry (Zealandia take note) and it’s a very pleasant 60 – 90 minute walk around. On a hot summer day, especially nice. If you’re into birds, or have kids, could be a good place to pop into. Kids are just $6 each and a family no more than $35.
Just after the entrance a large grassed area with a pond and lots of ducks.
A black swan being curious.
You can get a packet of duck food for $2 and the ducks are not shy. The literally surround you, and even walk over your feet if they think there is food nearby.
This is a kakariki, specifically a red-crowned parrot. I love how the green matches the grass.
A kaka.
A kereru or woodpigeon.
And the pukeko or swamp hen.
It’s biting a nail? Must be a kea!
Another little pond. It’s a beautiful setting.
And white swans this time.
There’s a loop bushwalk which takes around half an hour. I love paths where the trees are so abundant they keep the sun out.
And they have a few education notices out. 800 kgs a year of fruit from one tree is damn impressive.
Our silver fern of course.
The white-faced heron.
And feeding the ducks at the end!
As I said, a nice place to visit on a summer day.