Ōtorohanga - Kawhia

On my way to Ōtorohanga, I passed by a farm with ostriches and alpacas, which was cool! Unfortunately, the animals were quite camera-shy at first.

In Ōtorohanga, I wanted to visit the Kiwi House. It is the first Kiwi House ever and houses not only Kiwis but also several other endemic and non-endemic birds, as well as geckos and lizards. Since Kiwis are nocturnal, there are three Kiwi enclosures in which the day-night rhythm has been completely reversed. Therefore, the Kiwis have a normal 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night, but can be observed by visitors during the day under a simulated full moon while foraging. Well, at least the chances are higher; Kiwis like to sleep for 20 hours straight, and several Kiwis were indeed in their shelters sleeping when I was there.

In the Kiwi enclosures, photography or any light is prohibited. However, each shelter has a fixed camera whose images are transmitted to a monitor outside the house. So, I was able to photograph two Kiwis who were arguing about who gets to sleep in that shelter.

From Ōtorohanga, I drove to Kawhia because there is a Hot Water Beach there. An underground warm stream flows into the sea, and if you know the right spot and dig a bit in the sand, you can create a warm pool. There are several Hot Water Beaches across New Zealand, but the one in Kawhia is more of a hidden gem. And the spot where the warm stream flows is just as secret! On the evening of my arrival, I tried to find it with two New Zealanders from the South Island, but unfortunately without success.

Not even with the help of Vandea, who grew up in Kawhia, could I find the spot the next morning. She mentioned that she has been visiting the beach for nearly 35 years, but has only enjoyed a warm bath 7 times herself. The beach was still lovely, and Vandea was very friendly! She has been traveling around New Zealand for 9 years, first in a campervan, and for the last three years with her little daughter in a motorhome. She gave me lots of tips on finding places to camp, drinking water, showers, etc. That will definitely come in handy!

Just as I was about to leave, more and more people arrived at the beach. I approached everyone and asked if they knew where to dig. Unfortunately, none of them knew, so I decided to set off without a warm bath.