The Ides of March in September!
The 1st of September is the harbinger of spring and true to form on the South Island’s West Coast the gorgeous indigenous clematis has its new buds ready to flower. Over the next week we will see how many clamatis there are clinging to high branches of their kahikatea hosts.
But I’ve noticed another thing. I planted some indigenous fuchsia against the wall of the lodge so from the dining area you view the upper branches through the window and it too is beginning to flower. The delicate yet brilliant flowers will soon bring our favourite bellbirds into those branches to feed and we’ll have a nature show for our guests during breakfast-time throughout the coming summer.
Nature is such a delight for Neil and I, both lucky to be born in the last land on earth to be settled by people, and growing up with fathers that took us out into the forests and shared professional knowledge that many New Zealanders don’t know. To own the property where we built Paramata Lodge beside ancient and regenerating kahikatea forest is more than a dream come true!
Although much devastating change has occurred since the first people settled, many features of the ancient landscape and species that existed only in NZ can be seen beside the lodge. Already the flightless weka parents have two fluffy chicks darting out of hiding to collect worms from their parent’s beaks. Our Department of Conservation guiding permit enables us to show you fascinating glimpses of an ancient past. History and ecology brought to life right here where you stay!
Book on our Paramata Lodge website calendar for two nights or more and we’ll give you a discount price along with a short complimentary guided tour. Your stay will also help me continue to put time into my role as West Coast branch chairperson of New Zealand’s largest and oldest conservation organisation, The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of NZ.
