This December a local tourism company, in partnership with Department of Conservation (DOC), will be offering people an opportunity to assist with historic site restoration within the area, while they are exploring Tamatea/Dusky Sound.

The Southern Heritage Sites Restoration Expedition is the brainchild of RealNZ Chief Conservation Officer Paul Norris.

“We know that more and more people now want sustainable, enriching travel choices that offer the chance to stay longer, travel slower, learn more and give back to the special places they visit – particularly New Zealanders discovering their country’s hidden gems” says Norris. 

Tamatea/Dusky Sound’s geographical isolation has assisted it to remain one of the least modified parts of mainland New Zealand, with lush native bush cover and abundant wildlife. 

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Better known for nature than heritage, the area is rich in both Māori and European history. From traditional iwi stories, to Captain Cook's landing in 1773. Tamatea/Dusky Sound was also the site of one of the world’s first conservation reserves and New Zealand’s first conservation ranger, Richard Henry, in the late 19th century.

DOC Te Anau Principal Ranger Grant Tremain says some key heritage sites are in dire need of repair after DOC’s last scheduled maintenance trip had to turn back in August because of lockdown. 

“These sites are incredibly difficult to access to maintain, so the offer from RealNZ, to provide volunteers, travel and accommodation on the Wanderer was really timely – otherwise we’d be really struggling now to get it done in time for summer,” says Tremain.

The sites where restoration work will take place will include Pigeon Island, where New Zealand’s first wildlife ranger and bird conservationist Richard Henry was based from 1894, and Astronomer’s Point, where an observatory was established by the Board of Longitude on Captain Cook’s second voyage in 1773. 

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“New Zealanders are showing more interest in these places and, despite the effort required to get here, we’re seeing an increasing number of casual boats, charters so more people who create unintentional damage,” says Tremain.

“Few can return from holiday to say they left the place better than when they arrived, but this trip offers people the chance to do just that, and enjoy an amazing travel experience.” 

If successful, RealNZ and DOC plan to run the trip annually for the next five years to complete the restoration of these sites.