The last couple weeks has had me pondering what to say about Bushy Park, wow wow wow, does come to mind, “Timeless” also describes it well. I recently had family visit from overseas for my parents 50th wedding anniversary, Uncles and Aunts that I had not seen for 30 years, people that had never seen our beautiful country, so showing off New Zealand at its best was a high priority and what a better way to do this than a visit to Bushy Park.

 

This stunning piece of New Zealand history, from James Moore taking up the land in the 1860s, then his youngest son George Francis Maitland Moore took over after his older brother passed away in 1902, and it was in 1906 that the homestead that still stands today was built. G.F. Moore then bequeathed this slice of native New Zealand rain forest to Forest & Bird in 1962 due to its significance and need for preservation.

Having arguably New Zealand’s oldest and largest Northern Rata tree, is said to be as old as 1,000 years, yes try to imagine what this tree has been through, wildlife like the extinct Moa that would have roamed this forest, is just one piece of this 200 plus acre property you must see, which includes many ancient trees and wonders.

In 2005 the park was fully predator fenced and the already extensive pest control program had a better chance of success, remembering that 2005 is not that long ago, yet Bushy Park has exploded with bird life, introduced Robins “toutouwai” are a favourite of mine and my very first NZ Robin experience was at Bushy Park, they are probably as Robins are, our most inquisitive of birds, there tiny size, with long golden legs, just gorgeous. Known as time wasters in the bush, the Robin will always impress, just move some leaf litter with your foot and the little Robin will land at your feet to inspect for grubs you may have disturbed.

Another very important addition is the Saddleback “tieke” introduced in 2006, the Saddleback is loving its new predator free environment, and one of very few places in NZ you can see this stunning, endemic NZ bird, but you will most likely hear it before you see it. The Saddleback used to be abundant throughout NZ before ships brought rats and stoats etc to our islands, but takes away the predators; add some time and things slowly start to return.

There are also plans in place to introduce the rare Stitchbird “hihi” very soon to add to this great slice of New Zealand.

There are so many other aspects of this forest that have filled the pages of many books, that I could continue to write about, like the Kiwi program, the NZ Falcon, or the hundreds of Kereru that make Bushy Park home, but you would be best to take time out to visit Bushy Park. The park itself is only an hour from Palmerston North, just 10 minute West of Whanganui, were you will be sign posted to Bushy Park. As soon as you drive though the predator gates you will immediately notice how lively this bush is, with plenty walking options for all fitness levels, Bushy Park is a must do on any calendar.

Enjoy Paul Vandenberg