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The Environment at Paramata
Paramata Lodge looks out into primeval kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) forest that borders the sand dunes offering dramatic silhouettes in the evening sky. Trees of this age, by the beach are now a rare sight in New Zealand. It's also unusual to lie on a warm sandy beach in summer with snow on the mountains above.
The wetland creeks, swamp, lagoon, adjacent forest and the beach create a diversity of linked wildlife habitats. High rainfall, wind and tides ensure a dynamic relationship between these ecosystems. Access to a range of interesting flora and fauna is possible in this one location.
The rainfall that helps make this environment unique can sometimes upset holiday plans so your hosts' knowledge of the localised weather patterns will help you select activities to suit the days. Guided tour itineraries can be personalised to meet your interests but sometimes have to be altered to accommodate environmental conditions. Guests are always welcome to watch the stormiest weather unleash its power from the comfort of the lodge, and when there is a lull, venture out to witness the dramatic environmental changes.
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Paramata History
The coastal bluff of Paramata, visible for miles along the beach, offered a landmark for Maori during the transporting and trading of pounamu (nephrite jade). The creeks and tidal lagoon provided a plentiful supply of food while the forest gave shelter and resources for short stays. Today a nohoanga site (protected for Ngai Tahu Maori use) exists nearby.
Captain Cook gave Paramata the English name Bold Head during his first circumnavigation of New Zealand and Thomas Brunner, the first European explorer along the coast in 1846, refers to Paramata in his book. There is evidence of gold mining from the 1860s and remnants of a timber mill that operated from 1904 to 1919. Logging continued and farming began. In the 1980s the Kakapotahi Ecological Reserve was established to protect the special features of the coastal forest. In 1997 Kathy and Neil bought 15 acres beside the reserve, including the mill site and built the lodge during 2005/6. |
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Stories of origin abound
 Ngai Tahu Maori land sale and settlement
New Zealand Treaty of Waitangi history
Pounamu (nephrite jade) and gold
The flax and sphagnum moss industries
Remnants of 1904 - 1919 timber milling
Forestry, farming and conservation
The white bait debate and other fisheries
Deer and wildlife predators
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The seasons at Paramata
December/January/February
Local daytime temperature 14º - 26º C (57º - 79º F) Average monthly rainfall 232mm (9inches).
Summer brings us more sunshine hours than in Auckland. Tourism reaches its peak throughout the region but Paramata Lodge remains peaceful and secluded. Juvenile native birds are increasingly visible, even mountain kea (Nestor notabilis) sometimes descend to this area. Flax and some forest trees are in full flower in January attracting native birds like the tui (Prosthemedera novaeseelandiae).
March/April/May
Local daytime temperature 9º - 20º C (48º - 68º F) Average monthly rainfall 280mm (11 inches).
Autumn is when the Hokitika Wild Foods Festival is held in March. Native birds especially kereru (Hemiphaghaga novaeseelandiae) feed on fruiting kahikatea (D. dacrydioides) trees. Whitebait are spawning in tidal areas and it's usually a good time for trout fishing.
June/July/August
Local daytime temperature 4º - 15º C (39º - 59º F) Average monthly rainfall 229mm (9 inches).
Winter brings cooler nights but also beautiful clear sunny days with the mountain backdrop covered in snow. Sunsets are brilliant from the lodge and mornings excellent for photography. Tree fuchsias (kotukutuku) begin to flower. First lambs born late July.
September/October/November
Local daytime temperature 9º - 18º C (48º - 64º F) Average monthly rainfall 257 mm (10 inches)
Spring brings lush new growth to the forest. Clematis, orchids and small trees are flowering attracting the nectar-feeding birds. It's whitebait and trout fishing season. Birds like pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus) and weka (Gallirallus australis) entertain lodge guests with their mating rituals. |
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