"Maud Island" Willys's photos around Waitata Reach, New Zealand Monday, February 21, 2011

A TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow of a travel blog to Waitata Reach, New Zealand by TravelPod blogger Willys titled "Maud Island" Willys's travel blog entry: "I have just returned from a wildlife sanctuary on Maud island and Wow!, what an awesome experience and one that I am glad that I had the opportunity to enjoy. It was just unfortunate I could not get Larry into my bag as well. I think Portage might have noticed he was missing. It would have been full alert to find him!! It is a trip that only a few people get to do - Maud island is first of all a sanctuary, and second a place of scientific study. Since we are in the cluster of five neighbouring schools in the Sounds, I was lucky enough to participate in this years trip with the year 5 and up students (10 yrs to 13 yrs). The Department of Conservation picked us up by boat at Manaora (Clove Bay) in the Kenepuru Sounds. Before boarding: our packs, sleeping bags, boots, food etc... had to be checked for any unwanted species - mice, mud, rats, etc. Nothing can go onto the island as it would harm its native wildlife. After quarantine, we had about a 40 minute boat ride out to Maud Island. After a few games and lunch, we went on a bird count of Bellbirds and Tuis which have a beautiful call. We had a walk out to a fort that was built during the second world war to protect against attack from Japan. Later that night we went for a walk and hunt for the wildlife. During the walk we saw the Maud Island Frog - which can fit into ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L1bvDC7uto&hl=en