By Sara McLeod
Waiheke flowers is located on a high plateau on the hills above Onetangi, Waiheke Island, surrounded on three sides by native bush and trees. At this time of year, the grass is emerald velvet, punctuated by fruit trees as well as vines and colourful beds of flowers, all preparing for a ‘wintering’. Out of sight of this slightly decaying, riot of colour, the Proteas are a more muted colour palette, but this is their time, and the silvery flowers buds are slowly opening their feathered petals to reveal a bee wonderland. My favourite is the Neriifolia ‘Limelight’, a mink feathered bowl of chartreuse and cream.
The birds that call this place their home, are many and varied. Sure, a lot of natives, Tui, New Zealand pigeon/Kererū, Kaka, Fantail/Pīwakawaka, Tomtit/Miromiro ( I am sure, I saw a couple), Grey warbler/Riroriro, Morepork/Ruru, Kingfisher/Kōtare, Weka, Silvereye or wax-eye/Tauhou, New Zealand falcon/Kārearea and Pukeko, Paradise duck,/Pūtangitangi. Some flew, or where brought here – I will just mention the ones from Australia, Rosellas, Spur winged plover, Swamp Hen – Pukeko? Paradise Duck/Pūtangitangi. There is a bird from Australia and the Islands, that flies to Waiheke every year, in summer, to deposit their young, in the nest of the Grey warbler/Riroriro – and that bird is the Shining Cuckoo. I know Summer is here, when I hear that call, I do pity the tiny Grey warbler/Riroriro, that has to raise this huge Shining Cuckoo chick, but that’s the thing, the Shining Cuckoo chick, replicates the call of the Grey Warbler chicks, and elbows any of them out of the nest. Then the giant chick is fed continuously by the parent Grey Warblers’ and next summer – repeat.
The Pheasants that live here, are growing in number every year. Now that the wild – feral pigs have been dispatched. They have taken their place in the bird hierarchy. The local hawk flies a sweeping arc over the land, in the evening.
We are so lucky to have a creek running through our place with galaxiid – Banded Kokopu, Long finned eel/Tuna, and Koura. At the moment we are protecting this beautiful treasure stream/creek. Winter brings a slippery potpourri. all underfoot, so this track is for guided tour only, and over winter is closed.
When you approach by road, the entrance to Waiheke flowers is on the left hand side of Trig Hill Road, Right beside the sign – take the right hand fork, and you will soon come to a asphalt driveway. Be brave, take that driveway ……………………………… and give way to people coming the other way!! (uphill)
Sign in, Stay safe