UPDATE 04.09.20 cancelled due to Covid-19. Health & wellbeing comes first, so we’d prefer Level 1 to proceed as the appropriate Level 2 precautions are difficult to implement at the venue. It’s not reasonable to expect event volunteers, speakers and guests alike to wait until just four days beforehand to learn if we are moving to L1 and can go ahead.

Experience the intensity of the New Zealand bush at night then wake up to hear native birds in a rousing dawn chorus!

Held at the Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre, this unique event kicks off with a delicious two course meal, talks by renown ecological experts (Prof Bruce Clarkson, Paul Cuming, Dr Peter Maddison) and a guided night walk in the forest to see weta, spiders and all manner of interesting insects. Relive your youth with an overnight stay in the lodge dormitories before venturing out for the dawn chorus. You’ll have the chance to hear over 20 species welcome in the day.

A restorative hot breakfast will be served, followed by insights into traditional Māori medicine with local rongoā legend Rob McGowan. The event wraps up with a late morning tea at the AFP kohanga.

It’s just $60 a head, includes meals and accommodation, and is suitable for adults (16 years+).