We are very excited to have been invited to visit Cape Sanctuary, New Zealand’s largest privately owned and funded ‘mainland island’ conservation project, which is situated out at Cape Kidnappers. Established in 2006 by a local family, Cape Sanctuary initially had a focus on habitat restoration and pest control in order to create an environment where endangered species could re-inhabit the peninsula. Now, 18 years later the Sanctuary boasts a population of over 600 Eastern Brown Kiwi with chick survival rates way above the national average. So much so, that now Cape Sanctuary can donate Kiwi birds to populate emerging conservation projects. Other endangered species to have been successfully translocated to the sanctuary include Kaka and Kakariki with both species now numbering in the hundreds. North Island Robin also now abound as does NZ’s smallest native bird, the tiny Rifleman – deep in the most forested part of the sanctuary – and even Takahe with the first chick from a mating pair being born here in 2022. We’ll spend the morning at the sanctuary and be guided in by our friends at Gannet Safari Overland in their 4WD bus and enjoy a morning cuppa with the volunteers as well. The theme of sustainability will continue through and after lunch. Francky Godinho, owner of St Georges Restaurant outside Havelock North, has been quietly working for years to build up his kitchen garden in order to present as much of his own grown produce on the plate as he can. After a delicious lunch at the restaurant, we have persuaded Francky to take us to the ‘secret’ location of his garden and show us around.
Don’t miss out, there are only 20 places available.
