15 January 2020
Have you been to Claremont Bush? We hadn't until yesterday... It's 10 km southwest of Timaru, up the side of Mt Horrible with a view at the top. Drive down the Fairview Zig Zag and it's the 2nd intersection before the Pareora Bridge. There has been a wonderful community effort to trap pests and weed the track too. There are lots of native birds, excellent regeneration of totara, matai, mahoe, hen and chicken ferns, coprosma, cabbage trees, matipo and kowhai. keep an eye out for native flora like kahikatea, kowhai, totara, matai, mahoe, and the rare climbing daisy with its bright yellow flowers. The area is alive with birdlife, including bellbirds (korimako), fantails (piwakawaka), riflemen (titipounamu), grey warblers, brown creepers, and occasionally native pigeons (kereru). The track features a steep ascent and descent, which can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended. There are no facilities on-site, so plan accordingly, and note that dogs are not permitted to protect the native wildlife.