c&k#35 dps-m spg - Canoe & Kayak

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Blue Duck Territoryby Louise TuinRuapehu is one of the last strongholdsof blue ducks in New Zealand. Tuckedaway 25 km southwest of Taumarunui,in the bush streams and rivers of theRetaruke Valley exists a more thanaverage healthy population of theendangered birds. Their habitat is thefast flowing rapids of the RetarukeRiver, their diet the larvae and flyingstages of aquatic insects. Protectingthese vulnerable birds is not an easytask, but a necessary one as they arehigh on New Zealand’s list of nationallyendangered species.Doing their bit for conservation are owners of BlueDuck Lodge, Dan Steele and Louise Tuin. BlueDuck Lodge in Whakahoro, is a destination foradventure and spectacular scenery. It is a tributeto the area to have blue ducks that prefer theabsolute highest quality of water. Situated in aclearing on the banks of the Retaruke River, thelodge offers comfortable accommodation for amaximum of 8 people. Guests primarily come hereto retreat and relax, while enjoying the outdoorsthrough walking, horse trekking and mountainbiking over the privately owned 6000 acres farm,much of which is native bush that has been fencedoff and protected for restoration. Visitors can dotheir own bit for conservation by kayaking partsof the Retaruke River to survey blue ducks, andfish for trout, which is deemed environmentalistas these fish compete with the blue duck for food!In order to protect the blue duck habitat, many ofthe riverbanks have been fenced, trap lines havebeen placed to catch their predator stoats andrats, and work has begun to survey and band allof the resident blue ducks. While conservationwork is specifically aimed at saving the Whio, itwill naturally protect all native wild life includingnative bats, the kiwi, which can be heard at nightfrom the Lodge, and also a rare species of GiantSnail, which has been documented here.With varying levels of difficulty there is kayakingfor everyone on the Retaruke River. The lowerstretch is the most frequently paddled. This entails15 km of river which can be kayaked inapproximately 2 hours, with up to standard Grade2 rapids. During last year’s survey the DOC teamcounted 8 ducks and banded four here. Carry afishing rod and stop at some of the convenientpicnic spots to fish. Further upriver the whitewater rages and kayaking is for themore adventurous with gorges, papashoots and small waterfalls tomanoeuvre. There is an immensevariety of scenery here and the bushis extremely compact with lowlandforest, gorges, canyons, papa rock,waterfalls and wildlife to view. Thecondensed scenery towers above asthe kayak glides through the pristinewaters. In February last year DOCcounted 42 ducks on the entire stretchof the river. The upper Retaruke iscomparatively untouched and theducks are not as frequently surveyed.There are several good put in places,for a total of 2 days paddling, which canbe done in two or three parts.At Whakahoro, the Retaruke flows intothe Whanganui River and goes on formiles. A few hours kayak from heretakes you into the heart of theWhanganui National Park and you canreturn to the lodge by jet boat. Explorethe untouched Retaruke River, whichis becoming more beautiful andspecial through these conservationefforts. As the blue duck numbersbuild up it is becoming a wild lifesanctuary. In the meantime, there iswork to be done, grab your kayak andcome and count some ducks.28 ISSUE THIRTYfive • 2006
What an absolutely fabulous event we’ve all just had! The 2006 Speight’s Coast to Coastwas a ripper. We were blessed with superb weather, a fast river and a tail wind on thelast cycle section. I have to go back to 1994 to match those conditions.I was ever so pleased to be able to offer everyone in the event a spot prize, the first timea major sporting event in New Zealand has done so.I will do this again for the 2007 event - the 25th Anniversary Speight’s Coast to Coast.Next year is going to be a beauty. I’m inviting back all the “originals” from 1983 to competeor to watch along with all the “original” officials. There will be a new teams section forthe Interschool Championships for students between 16 and 18 years, male and female,and a few other special things that you will hear about during the year.Tell your friends who want to do the event to register on info@coasttocoast.co.nzNow relax and enjoy the rest of the summerRegards,Robin Judkins.Official 2006 ResultsISSUE THIRTYfive • 2006 29
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