|
NORTHLAND
Special
Feature: Wild pigs in very accessible scrubland
Northland offers many varied experiences if you go off the beaten
track and explore its picturesque harbours, fishing villages,
golden beaches, rural settlements and pristine kauri forest
reserves.
Both coastlines are deeply indented with fine harbours - in the
west are Kaipara, Hokianga, Whangape and Herekino and in the east
are Bay of Islands and Whangaroa. River valleys and swamps at the
head of these harbours are often home to herds of wild pigs.
Inland bush clad ranges like Maungataniwha above Mangamuka
township and Tutamahoe above Dargaville are also a refuge for
these pugnacious porcine predators.
The largest concentration of forest cover is the Northland Forest
Park, embracing Waipoua, Waima and 15 other kauri forests. On the
east coast are large pine plantations in the Mangawhai and
Russell forests. These are all very productive regions for the
local ‘grunter hunters’.
Subtropical Northland is the birthplace of the nation and was
also the site of early releases of wild pig stock from a gene
pool known as ‘Captain Cooker’. During Captain
Cook’s three visits to New Zealand, he liberated black
razor-backed pigs at Ship’s Cove, as a food source for both
local Maoris and visiting seafarers.
These fearsome broad-shouldered, short-legged bulldozers have a
liking for grubs and worms along with newborn lambs. Farmers do
not appreciate their nocturnal forays into back paddocks where
the carnage includes ploughing up pastureland and also
demolishing rotten logs in search of their favourite delicacy,
huhu grubs. Big boars have razor-sharp curved tusks, which should
be avoided at all costs. Fortunately these unstoppable creatures
are the only potential hazard in the New Zealand bush.
Wild goats are also present in low numbers scattered in herds
around the remote coastal peninsulas and in isolated high
country.
Waterfowl including mallard, grey and shoveler ducks, paradise
ducks (shelducks) are present in rivers, lakes and estuaries.
Black swan and a few Canada geese are resident on Lake Omapere
and other lakes on the Far North Peninsula. Upland game birds
like quail are present in low numbers.
|
