Crimson Trails Resplendent In Late Summer

Media release for immediate use 3 March 2009

Crimson Trails Resplendent In Late Summer

New Zealanders are being encouraged to make the most of the late summer by visiting and marvelling at their local Crimson Trail, while native rata and pohutukawa are still blooming.

New Zealand has nine Crimson Trials, which showcase the best stands of native rata and pohutukawa.

“It has been a long hot summer, and our native rata and pohutukawa have put on a fabulous show this year,” says Bridget Abernethy, Executive Director of Project Crimson, the national conservation trust set up to protect the trees.

“In some areas, they have flowered but in others areas there may be a few weeks left to enjoy their riot of colour until next season.”

“Each Crimson Trail is unique and has been established to offer an insight into the ecological heritage of each area, while celebrating the very best stands of these quintessential New Zealand trees.

There are four Crimson Trails in the South Island (Canterbury, West Coast, Southland/Otago, and Golden Bay) and five in the North Island (Auckland, Coromandel, Mt Maunganui, Wellington, and Rotorua).

All are accessible by car as well as providing a variety of walks, ranging from a gentle stroll to round trips of several hours for the enthusiast.

Project Crimson receives funding from major sponsor Meridian, and works in partnership with DOC, Mazda and a range of other organisations.

Mel Seyfort, Meridian’s Sponsorship Manager says the relationship between Meridian and
Project Crimson is a natural fit.

“As a 100 per cent New Zealand company with a commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability, nothing could be more appropriate than helping ensure these spectacular trees continue to flourish along our coasts and in our forests,” she says.

“There is something uniquely kiwi about a full blooming tree, bringing back memories of childhood summers, snapshots of places we have been and continue to visit. We are extremely proud to support and encourage Project Crimson in this mission.”

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