The Natural Heritage of Puhi Peaks
Biodiversity is the intricate web of life that surrounds us, encompassing the vast array of organisms – from plants and animals to insects and microorganisms – that inhabit our planet. These diverse species interact and interconnect within ecosystems, working in harmony to sustain life on Earth and maintaining a delicate balance that supports the very fabric of our world.
Nestled within the breathtaking landscape of Puhi Peaks lies a nature reserve of global significance. With its unique geology and remarkable biodiversity, this QE II-protected area is a haven for rare and endangered species. We’re dedicated to safeguarding this precious environment and all its inhabitants, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of our ecosystem.
We gladly welcome all to Puhi Peaks. It is our pleasure to share these and other wonders with our local community, students, researchers, national and international visitors, so that we can inspire, nurture, and foster a love and passion for taking care of New Zealand’s wilderness.
First we must learn to love nature. Then comes conservation.
– Tamilisai Soundararajan
Protecting Our Natural Treasures
Puhi Peaks station is home to a number of rare and endangered native species. We are proud to be home of the critically endangered Hutton’s Shearwater, the only seabird in the world that nests in the sub alpine environment of the mountains. Our colony is one of only two remaining wild colonies in the world!
In order to protect our taonga (treasures) we actively manage invasive species through trapping programs, weed control and by following sustainable farming practices. In addition we have a Queen Elizabeth II Open Space covenant that permanently protects the special natural features of Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve. The agreement is entered into voluntarily and binds current and all subsequent landowners in perpetuity. The covenant is registered on the title to the land.
The Critically Endangered Hutton’s Shearwater
The Hutton’s Shearwater (Kaikoura titi) is one of the world’s most remarkable seabirds, renowned for its extraordinary nesting behavior. It’s the only seabird globally that breeds in the harsh, subalpine environment, nesting at altitudes of up to 1,800 meters above sea level. This unique adaptation makes it a fascinating subject for study and conservation. These beautiful and graceful birds leave their nesting habitat to feed in the abundant waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula, then return home – a rare and unique transit offering breathtaking visual experiences from the shores of Kaikoura.
Puhi Peaks is one of only two remaining wild breeding colonies in the world, making conservation efforts crucial. Unfortunately, predation by introduced species like pigs and stoats has significantly impacted Shearwater populations. To address this, we’ve implemented a comprehensive predator control program. We’re also grateful to be working with the Department of Conservation (DoC), who conduct vital burrow monitoring to assess the viability and breeding success of the colony, helping us better understand and protect these incredible birds.
We will be launching a sponsorship program that allows individuals, companies, and corporations to invest in predator control at Puhi Peaks. By participating, they will play a role in protecting threatened species and will receive regular updates and reports on the impact of their contributions to securing the future of these remarkable birds.
To learn more about these incredible birds, visit the Hutton’s Shearwater Trust.
“Nature once determined how we survive. Now we determine how nature survives.”
– Sir David Attenborough
Energy
Our Puhi Peaks Station accommodations are committed to sustainability, with one of our existing huts, The Run Hut, currently utilising hydro power. However, with plans to rebuild The Run Hut later this year, we’ll be upgrading and potentially expanding our use of renewable energy.
We’re exploring a combination of hydro and solar power to ensure our accommodations are off-grid and environmentally friendly. By leveraging these natural energy sources, we’re working to minimise our impact on the environment and promote sustainable practices and energy conservation, not only for ourselves – but for visitors too.
Protecting the environment is at the heart of what we do, and we are dedicated to continually improving our sustainability practices.
The future of life on earth, depends on our ability to take action.
– Sir David Attenborough
Waste
The well-being of our community and our environment are key drivers for our business, and we try to ensure we operate in a manner that looks after both.
We operate a ‘towards zero waste’ policy as part of our business philosophy, from local procurement considerations to reducing waste on site, minimising water use, and our approach to both pest control and humane animal management.
With consumables, we separate paper, cans, plastic, glass, and other waste, which is then transported to the recycling centre in nearby Kaikōura, where everything is processed for reuse.
We encourage guests to take as little as possible into our accommodation units, and we educate our staff and guests about the benefits of green policies.
In our day-to-day maintenance and improvement programmes at the Station, we are constantly looking at ways we can re-use or re-purpose items that can serve a future purpose, minimising waste wherever we can.
“You cannot get through a single day, without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
– Jane Goodall
Sustainability
Puhi Peaks is home to a rich array of native species- both rare and endangered, and we’re committed to protecting these taonga (treasures). Our conservation strategy involves restoring habitat, enhancing water quality, and we invest heavily and actively manage invasive species, through trapping programmes, weed control and hunting, to give native species the best chance to thrive.
We’re also dedicated to sustainable land management, using low-input sheep farming practices that work in harmony with the land. Our Arapawa sheep breed is a rare and hardy native New Zealand breed, perfectly adapted to the steep and rugged terrain, and we farm them in a way that respects the land’s natural rhythms.
To ensure Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve’s special features are protected for generations to come, we’ve voluntarily entered into a Queen Elizabeth II Open Space covenant. This permanent agreement safeguards the reserve’s natural beauty and binds all future landowners, giving us peace of mind and protecting our taonga for years to come.
Building on these efforts, we’re establishing the Puhi Peaks Conservation Trust to oversee our biodiversity strategy. This will enable us to engage the wider community through volunteering opportunities and welcome support from individuals and businesses. We’ll provide regular updates on our progress, celebrating successes and tracking performance.
Kaitiakitanga – guardianship for future generations.
