by Charlotte,
Ever since I could walk, I’ve always been intrigued about nature and biology 🤩.
I’d always want to go down to Stanmore Bay and collect shiny pāua, then go home and make creations with it.
I have always loved birds like fantails, tui and kiwi. My greatest memory with a fantail was at my nana Gwenda’s house in Oamaru. I was walking to my nana’s games room in the back of the property when a little fantail landed on the branch in front of me. My first instinct was to try to copy its sweet chirp – then it copied it back to me! The fantail and I went back and forth cheeping for about five minutes. And after that it fluttered away.
Another day, me, my siblings, and my grandparents went to Wenderholm Park. As we all got out of the truck, I sprinted to the shore. The cool beach air hit my face, and then I heard it… a fantails call. There were about nine fantails all fluttering just above the ground. I walk over and they started circling me. I was overjoyed!
I skipped over to the shore and spied a few wooden steps. I hopped down them as quick as I could. I ran up to the shoreline – the crystal blue water was cool and fresh. All of a sudden, I felt little drops of water on my shoulders and, behind me, I heard my Nana calling me. As we sprinting back to the truck, I heard the fantails call once more.
That was my fun experience at Wenderholm Park.
If you’re looking for a fun place with amazing animals, food, and fun, you should go visit Butterfly Creek. It has a kiwi exhibit. Once I saw a kiwi there and it was amazing!
But I think my favourite spot is Shakespeare Park with its hikes, bike tracks, and amazing views. Also, it’s a pest-free sanctuary. It definitely deserves to be one of the best parks. Also Wenderholm with its beautiful shores, birds, and trees. It also deserves to be ranked one of the best regional parks in Tāmaki Makaurau!
Those are some of my favourite memories in nature.
Thanks for reading about my adventures in Tāmaki Makaurau!
