Media Release
17 January 2013

Walk and Talk Series still popular

A series of free guided walks are planned throughout Hawke’s Bay during the next three months as part of the popular Walk and Talk Series.

The walks are a joint initiative between Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the Department of Conservation, giving people the opportunity to get out and exercise, while learning a little more about the region’s unique environment.

The Walk and Talk Series has been running for more than six years and each year receives strong support from locals and visitors keen to explore a little more of Hawke’s Bay.

The walks this year include visiting the home of the native longtail bat and the Pan Pac Kiwi Crèche, to Hawke’s Bay’s only marine reserve and a chance to feed Cooks Petrel chicks at Cape Sanctuary.

For more details or to register for walks contact Hawke’s Bay Regional Council during business hours on 0800 108 838 or visit HBRC reception at 159 Dalton St, Napier.

Walk and Talk Series 2013

Bats at Ball’s Clearing, Puketitiri – 12 February
Come and learn more about our only native land mammal, the secretive longtail bat. This is an evening experience at Ball’s Clearing Scenic Reserve, 5km from Puketitiri on Pakaututu Road. Carpooling from National Aquarium at 4.30pm (sharp) – bring picnic tea, warm clothing and shoes suitable for a nice easy walk. Meeting at Ball’s Clearing at 6pm.

Opouahi and Tutira Lakes – 23 February (Kiwi health Check)
Walk around Lake Opouahi. Learn about the Pan Pac Kiwi Crèche and meet one of Kaweka’s wild North Island Brown Kiwi chicks. On the way home we will stop at Lake Tutira to discuss water quality issues, followed by an easy walk around Lake Waikopiro. Bring a packed lunch and shoes for easy track walking.
Bus leaving Napier at 9am (sharp) depart 1.50pm, back 2.30pm.

Te Angiangi Marine Reserve – 3 March (Seaweek)
Come and visit Hawke’s Bay’s only Marine Reserve, Te Angiangi. Learn about the important role marine reserves play and how they protect our marine ecosystems. This involves a 3km walk from Blackhead Beach finishing with afternoon tea at the Aramoana Historic Woolshed.
Bus leaves Waipukurau Information Centre at 9am (sharp) arriving back to Waipukurau 2.30pm
Booking necessary - limited spaces available.

Cape Sanctuary – March (date to be confirmed)
Join a small team of dedicated volunteers getting hands on experience feeding Cooks Petrel chicks. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity. Hurry and register your interest as there are limited spaces available.
Date dependent on arrival of birds

Maungahaururu Range – April (date to be confirmed)
Take the opportunity to assist feeding Mottled Petrel as part of the Poutiri Project. Take a look at the website for more information on the Poutiri Project (www.poutiri.co.nz)
Register your interest – date dependent on arrival of birds (Limited spaces available)

ends

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