| We live in the Catlins (New Zealand) and run natural history/wildlife ecotours, two day walks, conservation work opportunities as well as offering accommodation options. Our ecotourism trips emphasise learning about and seeing nature with us. We have won awards for our tours including the NZ Ecotourism award in 1993 and the NZ Activity and Adventure Tourism Awards in 1996. We have three children: two daughters (one son in law) and a son, also a dachshund named Cloudberry. We live in a house we built ourselves overlooking the sea and forest. We have self-catering cottage or homestay accommodation available for those who do not want a tour. |
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The view from our house |
1. Ecotours in the Catlins*Our tours are for two or four days *Our guests stay with us in our home *Our groups are small *We operate to an environmental code Our tours start from Balclutha (on the road between Dunedin and Invercargill), or visitors may drive themselves to our place. Accommodation is at our home at Papatowai in the heart of the Catlins, on the coast with an elevated and uninterrupted view over a natural scene of native forest, river estuary, beach and ocean. This is one of New Zealand's outstanding forest and marine wildlife areas and our ecotours are highly rated. (NZ Ecotourism Award co-winners 1993, Activity and Adventure winners 1996.) We take groups of up to 8 people by mini bus to remote places to walk and appreciate the flora and fauna, geology, history and conservation. Rare wildlife seen includes Hooker's sealions and yellow eyed penguins and at times yellow head, fernbird, Hector's dolphins and elephant seals.
CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTION You will be contributing to conservation of wildlife on every tour. We make wildlife observations, trap non-native predators and remove weeds. The work break programme involves specific projects for penguins, plant and history conservation as well as educational workshops. We work to a code of sustainable environmental practice and are part-time Department of Conservation rangers We are sensitive to the cultural environment that we live in.
GETTING HERE AND AWAY There are same day connections on transport services to and from Balclutha to Dunedin, Invercargill or Te Anau, also accommodation options at Balclutha. We can arrange transport and accommodation for you.
AVAILABILITY All Tours start and end at 10 am in Balclutha (or starting 11am at Papatowai if desired). Two day tour........Monday to Wednesday, Wednesday to Friday, Saturday to Monday Four day tour.......Saturday to Wednesday (Nov to March only)
QUOTES FROM WRITERS To walk with the Sutherlands along these lonely
beaches is akin to taking a guided tour of a renaissance cathedral;
but here the treasures are the fossils, the middens left by Maori
communities, the yellow eyed penguins, the ancient podocarp forests
full of rimu, totara, matai and rata and the kingfishers, tuis
and bellbirds." "With their backgrounds
as teachers and conservationaists, and their infectious enthusiasm
for the region, the Sutherlands make perfect guides." "One highly recommended
operation ... is Catlins Wildlife Trackers. They offer a 'total'
unified eco-experience. The natural history, landforms and geology
are interwoven with recent history; the secrets of the sea, littoral,
rainforest, wetlands and sky are all gathered together, dissected
and meticulously explained; and natures rare and timid creatures
are revealed." "If an afternoon's aquaintance
is a guide, time spent with the Sutherlands could not fail to
educate and delight. Their enthusiasm is palpable." "Dedicated conservationists,
the Sutherlands take visitors to observe Hooker's sealions and
penguins and gently teach their guests about ecology, geology
and conservation." "...a benchmark of excellence
for ecotourism operators ... demonstrating a practical commitment
to conservation and noted for the excellent small group experience
they give to visitors - guaranteeing maximum enjoyment and an
educational experience. "...an excellent example
of people who have taken the Otago Regional Council's substantial
resource management message personally on board..." |
