National Geographic Orion arrived at Aotea, Great Barrier Island. It was an early morning surrounded by seabirds, including spectacular views of gannets and shearwaters.
We learned all about the history and conservation of the Glenfern Sanctuary, an 83-hectare Regional Park from Steve Clemow, and we went ashore to explore the park. Glenfern Sanctuary Trust with Ngati Rehua Ngatiwai ki Aotea Trust are committed to the principles of Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection) of endangered flora and fauna and their habitats. The late Tony Bouzaid, a conservationist and yachtsman, established the sanctuary in 1992 and over the years Lindbald Expeditions and our guests have supported their conservation projects.
In the afternoon, we hiked the Kiriwiki Trail through beautiful vegetation of lowland forest remnants of pūriri, nīkau, kohekohe, kōwhai and pōhutukawa. Some of us visited a small family distillery where a very special couple has developed a small production of kanuka and manuka oil. With the help of a volunteer, they shared with us their process and extraordinary products.
