It is with a heavy heart we write this post, the sun is shining but it is a dark day for the so many affected in the Pike River mine Tragedy.

Okarito Nature Tours would like to send all our Sympathy and Arohanui to those involved.

Kia kaha for the days ahead!

At last!... a walk on the beach.

After a busyish weekend it was time for a bit of escapism...but our thoughts kept going to the agony the families and friends of the trapped miners at Pike River must be going thru. Our thoughts are with them... Kia Kaha! 

a Banded Dotterel parent trying to tell us "follow me! my babies are this way! Really!!!"

The Harakeke around the village and lagoon is amazing this year!

Take care and fingers crossed for the miners and their families.

Arohanui xx

Ooops!

oooops I almost forgot The lovely Julia has posted about our wee blog on her Friday roaming!!!
I am still reeling with excitement it is such an honour to be mentioned!(I think it is the first time for me on a real blog! what a geek I am becoming.. OK so some of you who know me already had their suspicions!!)
... her blog showcases some amazing NZ and Aussie talent.
well enough ranting!
have a lovely weekend and PLEASE drive safe LOOK out for cyclists!!
Arohanui x

Inspiring Read!

Have just about finished Greg Mortenson's 2nd book Stones into Schools (he also wrote Three cups of Tea).
They are both amazing reads and should be on everyones must read list!
Sorry I don't have a image but here is his link
http://www.stonesintoschools.com/

sorry not to have posted lately..things have caught up with me and have been in bed for the last few days trying to fight a nasty flu/head cold thing!!! luckily I have 2 gorgeous boys to look after me xx
am getting better now
have a great week
Arohanui x
P.S Happy Birthday Chilli Girl!:)

Flowers, visitors and fun on Okarito Lagoon!

Yay! my little native iris is flowering!

...and these guys are also!

these are our navigation aids for kayaking on the lagoon...manuka poles! we have to check them and replace...sometimes people hang on to them and they snap!

M having fun! the poles mark the left hand side of the channel!!

Be careful! :)

almost home!

... I know this is a terrible image but ....he/she KEPT moving!!..

it is the rear end of a small migrant visiting our garden the other night!

a Shining Cuckoo

and last but not least!! ...these gorgeous (not native) iris have been flowering in my garden as well!!!

now I just have to start getting my vege garden under control!

take care x

Arohanui x

Blossom, Cupcakes and Cygnets!

I got a bit carried away with trying to get a few photos of the blossoms on our apple trees!

hopefully we might get lots of apples! yum!

M and his Auntie had loads of fun making and decorating...(ooops forgot the eating!!) these over the weekend

and this wee beastie is doing great! he/she is quite keen on the odd swim in our friends pond chasing tadpoles!!

Our thoughts are with the family who lost a family member out whitebaiting on sunday.Hopefully he will be found soon.

Arohanui xx

The beginning!

R. drove to Harihari earlier this week to collect this wee piece....hopefully it will become a talking point like our last gorgeous one...may it rest in peace!...it took approx 10 persons to lift it off the trailer!!!  I don't think it will be moving far!

We have been helping to look after this wee babe this week while its adoptive parent was out of town. It is rather cute and likes going for walks!...hopefully it will be able to be rehabilitated into the wild soonish!

....lastly these Chatham Island forgetmenots are looking amazing in the garden this year!

have a great week!

Arohanui xx