DATE OF TRIP: 11 to 13th NOVEMBER, 2011 (Show Week-end)

Trip Report

I have been a member of NPS for just over a year, and whilst I have been on three half day field trips, this was the first opportunity I've had to go on a weekend field trip. It was great to be able to meet up with the other 20 NPS members over a tasty pot luck dinner on Friday night.

There was some heavy rain that night (typical West Coast weather!), but fortunately by the morning the weather was completely clear. 11 of us (the others having done the trip on Friday) set off in a minivan to get to Waitangiroto River, then we had an exhilarating 20 minute jetboat ride (closely pursued by the odd paradise duck!) to reach the 500 metre boardwalk that led to the viewing hide. We then set up our tripods and mounted our longest zoom lenses for about one hour' s worth of amazing photo opportunities. As well as several white herons (kotuku) and their chicks, there were also many royal spoonbills, cormorants and shags. I managed to catch some herons and spoonbills in full flight, and also spotted a spoonbill up high who was having a bad hair day!

Most of us then headed to Okarito beach, where we got close views of some banded dotterels. Some of us (though not me) also spotted some fern birds.

Later we climbed up to the hillside home of renowned New Zealand landscape photographer Andris Apse. He has recently established a gallery displaying some of his stunning photos - having just viewed white herons, I loved his photo of a single white heron. Andris spoke about each of the photos - many required weeks of preparation, first to find the right location, and then the long periods waiting for just the right light.

This was a most enjoyable weekend, and I can now highly recommend going on a NPS field trip!

Thanks must go to Nick Webb for organising this very successful weekend.

Richard Chandler

Photos: Jetboat ride , Ken Muscroft-Taylor White herons, Kim Annan

TRIPS TO THE WHITE HERONS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY MORNING. CURRENTLY FRIDAY MORNING IS FULL BOOKED. SATURDAY is over half full
WHERE: Travel to Whataroa on either the Thursday or Friday depending on which day you are booked on, or how much you want to see.
COST: White Heron Trip approx. $120.00
Accommodation in the cabins at Whataroa approx. $27 per night per person
There are Motels available and a reasonable Pub meal in the Whataroa Pub. We plan to have a pot luck meal for one or two nights in the cabins.
PLEASE PAY TREASURER BY: 22nd October, 2011
WHAT TO TAKE: Usual week-end photographic gear and your personal week-end gear. Bedding as per your accommodation. Contact trip leader if you need a list.
MORE INFORMATION CLOSER TO THE TIME.