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Plants and Animals

If I said beware of the wildlife in the mountains you might think bears, or perhaps mountain lions. Would you believe that the most destructive creature you will have the fortune and misfortune to meet is... a parrot?!

"The rule simply put is 'DON'T FEED THE KEA'... Given a few kilojoules of human food they are quite capable of systematically dismantling your hut or tent, chopping your rope into useful 2 metre lengths, flying off with [boot] liners and basically being downright annoying. If you do become victim to the legend it WILL be your fault." Graeme Kates, Arthur's Pass Mountaineering Guide 3rd edition

Kea Nestor notablis

Kea are the worlds only mountain parrot and tests have shown their problem solving skills to be in the same league as dolphins, crows and chimpanzees. They are amazing to watch and are a favourite among those who visit the mountains. They are also very very destructive in their habits and use their dexterous and strong beaks to open and dismantle anything that takes their fancy.

Kea facts...

Human food is very bad for their behaviour and health. Help them and yourself by not feeding them or leaving any food or food scraps where kea can access them.

Their numbers are thought to be declining

Kea are known to occassionally maim or kill domestic sheep, and were for many decades hunted for a bounty. They are now fully protected by law

They pair for life

Sandflies

Sandflies (black flies) are a small biting insect about 2 mm long. Their small size is out of all proportion to the amount of agony they can cause people.

Sandfly facts...

They do not carry human diseases

They are mostly active during daylight

They are most prolific in warm weather and in high humidity (in forests and near waterways)

They are uncommon above 1000 metres above sea level

Their bite usually causes localised swelling, itching and redness on people who have not been exposed to them before

In rare cases their bites can become infected if scratched, so resist the urge to rub bites

Most commercial insect repellents are effective at preventing sandflies from biting, but they may still land on you

An antihistamine lotion is useful for treating bites

Home made repellents consisting of 99% baby oil and 1% concentrated citronella oil or 50% baby oil and 50% Dettol (a common antiseptic solution) work well, are less likely to cause irritation and won't damage plastics like some commercial repellents. Home made repellents do however usually require more regular application

Sandflies This sandfly is near to full and the stored blood of it's victim is visible

Weka

"Here is a bird full of good qualities and who's vices lean to virtue's side. Personal valour of a high order. An undying thirst for knowledge,-unthinking people give it another name-which causes it to annex everthing portable about a hut and carry it into the bush to study at leisure." Charlie Douglas, explorer, C.1899

Weka, sometimes known as woodhens, are a flightless native bird generally found in forested areas at lower altitudes in both Islands. Weka are harmless creatures but their strong curiosity temps them to steal any item from your campsite that is light enough for them to drag away.

To avoid to weka raids...

Keep food in your backpack or sturdy/heavy containers and keep the tent or hut door closed
Do not leave bright, shiny or interesting items left about your campsite, keep things tidy and the tent zipped up
Do not feed weka, you are only encouraging them

Weka A Weka checks to see if the coast is clear before raiding Park Morpeth Hut

Possum

Brush tail possums are a native marsupial of Australia and were introduced to New Zealand to help establish a local fur trade. Unfortunately they took a liking to New Zealand forest and have multiplied greatly, causing huge damage to the forest through their browsing. They are a pest to farmers as they carry bovine tuberculosis (Tb) which they can pass on to farm animals or humans. They often make unwelcome visits to campsites at night seeking food.

To avoid a close encounter of the marsupial kind...

Store your food in your backpack or sturdy/heavy containers and keep the tent or hut door closed
Bury, or even better, carry out your food scraps as these will encourage possums to hang around campsites

Wasps

German wasps pose a significant hazard in many areas of New Zealand. Their sting is painful and often causes localised swelling, and in rare cases can cause severe and life threating anaphlactic reactions in people with allergies to stings.

To avoid the wrath of an angry wasp...

Consider avoiding high risk areas in summer
Watch for wasps leaving their nests (generally flying in straight lines) and avoid anywhere where wasp flight paths seem to converge
Wear long sleeve clothing with collars buttoned or zipped up
Keep food and rubbish/food scraps sealed in airtight containers (food will attract wasps)
If you disturb a nest, move quickly but calmly away. Once safely away from the nest, kill any wasps that remain on you or your clothing
Carry antihistamine cream or tablets in your first aid kit, and discuss the need for strong antihistamines or adrenaline/epinephrine with your doctor if you are very allergic

Stinging nettle/tree nettle

These forest plants prefer damp soils and good shade, and can often be found along stream banks or along side tracks used by trampers. A brush with the plant activates the hypodermic needle like spines on the leaves and stems to inject their toxin. The result it usually a painful and later intensly itchy rash with some localised swelling. Like wasp stings, in rare cases some people can react severely, potentially leading to life threatening anaphlactic shock.

To avoid a brush with one of these shockers

Be wary in damp, shaded gullies and near streams in areas with alkaline soils.
Learn to identify nettle, their distinctive spine coverered leaves are easy to spot

Nettle A mature Tree Nettle leaf with spines