In Northern New Zealand, across the Hauraki Gulf, we visited the small and beautiful Great Barrier Island. This stunning location with its temperate forest is well known for its scenic beauty and wilderness. Thanks to the considerable efforts of private landowners working with the Department of Conservation, small reserves have been established to provide a sanctuary free from introduced predators. The forests are alive with birdsong again because of these efforts.
We enjoyed the warm sunshine and hiked the local trails to take in the forest and the stunning views from the tops of the hills.
In the afternoon some of us visited a manuka oil distillery of a small, local, family business. It was a full and fun day of exploration.
