THE TE KOPI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Te Kopi Wildlife Sanctuary hopes to continue a tradition of kaitiakitanga, or custodianship, of the land. The initiative wishes to promote a balanced approach to development in an area host to significant and sensitive biodiversity. Te Kopi (a biodiversity project) is named for the 560 hectare headland at the extremity of the outer Pelorus Sound, part of the Marlborough region of New Zealand. Occupying 1830 hectares of dramatic terrain, the sanctuary also looks out to Cook Strait and Admiralty Bay. Beautiful land and seascapes of tremendous scale are cast all around. Marine wildlife is abundant. Many varieties of seabirds (including diving gannets and bobbing penguins) compete for visitors' attention with the dolphins, rays, fur-seals, and orca. On the land, many locally endemic species of birds, reptiles and inverterbrates (some of which are endangered) also endeavour to reestablish viable populations, as forests regenerate and numbers of introduced pests are controlled. Good as it is now, in biodiversity terms it can still be a whole lot better. Giving it a path to get there over the long term remains the project goal.
Now in its 12th year and founded on the restoration of biodiversity and belief in the intrinsic value of natural capital, the project has aimed to help restore and conserve indigenous biodiversity and enhance the natural character of this special environment. It is now ready for the next challenge in its evolution, which is to welcome visitors to its physical and virtual properties so that they can also experience the wonder to be found there. The project must seek to establish virtuous circles where conservation ("biodiversity assurance") can be funded and people can benefit by their experiences. This website shall come to showcase the most important methods (to this project), such as nature tourism, and to develop new ideas where necessary.
On the ground, much effort has already been applied to environmental cleanup (many tonnes of rubbish and weed removal), pest control, native tree planting (over 200,000 plants connecting habitats and providing food) and walking trail construction. Clear results from this environmental infrastructure can be seen in the significant increase of native birds such as tui, bellbird, weka, woodpigeon, and in the recovering forests. Pest control work is widely recognised as being important, particularly in the outer Sounds. Communities also frequently do their bit. We wish to invest in the environment on which we depend.
The unique geography of the area, with its spectacular wildlife, offers visitors a remarkable nature tourism experience. Accommodation facilities, including historic homestead restorations, are being established to this end. Please visit Te Kopi now, and be guided by local people on the walking trails, kayak routes and mountain biking tracks. Your stay in this stunningly beautiful part of the world will be an exciting and memorable one. In the years ahead, a unique three day ridgeline track, and the luxury lodges at Bulwer and Waitata Saddle will also showcase the unique indigenous biodiversity of the region, without disturbing the peace of the traveller's stay. For now, the standard is "catered kiwi motel" and the accommodation is comfortable and clean. Cuisine is simple, using best produce. Hunting for pigs and deer is a great winter activity in the Sounds. Our local manager, James Buchanan will be delighted to guide you in this activity. Other guides are also available for larger parties.
New Zealand's indigenous biodiversity is unusual. It is believed that life in Aotearoa New Zealand evolved in Gondwanaland as much as 250 million years ago and then in island isolation for approximately 80 million years. This long isolation and the apparent failure of mammals to evolve left a unique, but now vulnerable indigenous flora and fauna. The relatively recent introduction of many pests (including rats, stoats and possums) has been harmful to native forests and animals alike. The pests have decimated indigenous biodiversity and left many native species on (or over) the brink of extinction. The evidence from other sanctuaries, and now from Te Kopi, is that by controlling pest numbers, the remaining indigenous wildlife can be afforded a chance to recover.
Te Kopi is connected by a narrow neck (Pipitawai) to the mainland. A pest-proof fence has been constructed at Pipitawai, to further consolidate Te Kopi’s island-like environment. When the fence is commissioned and a general pest eradication undertaken within the sanctuary, we look forward to the exciting prospect of reintroducing endangered native fauna such as kiwi, takahe and tuatara to the safety of the sanctuary.
The outer Pelorus Sound is rich in Maori and early colonial history. The Maori pa sites, pits and terracing, together with oral histories and local mythology, all indicate very early occupation. More recently, European settlers attempted to make difficult land productive and some continue to farm sheep and cattle. Others have maintained fishing interests.
The Te Kopi team is drawn primarily from the local community and from local iwi, forging social and cultural links integral to the success of the sanctuary. With an eye on both conservation and regional development, the Department of Conservation and the local council also support Te Kopi’s hopes to foster long term nature tourism in the area.
There are several important wildlife sanctuaries nearby, as well as many private landowners, all actively pursuing native species recovery. Te Kopi wishes to contribute scale to this significant conservation archipelago.
Contact us:
Email:
james.buchanan@tekopi.com
Post:
Pelorus Wildlife Sanctuaries Ltd
Private Bag
Havelock
Marlborough, New Zealand