5 iconic places you need to visit before climate change ruins them.!

5 iconic places you need to visit before climate change ruins them.!


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A new report from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has highlighted 31 World Heritage Sites at risk of being seriously damaged by our changing climate.
Many of them are popular tourist destinations, and all of them would be devastating to lose — many represent important pieces of our culture and history.
Here are five iconic landmarks that are in serious danger from climate change and what it would mean to lose them:

1. The Galápagos Islands could see its food web collapse, forcing animals that rely on it to abandon its shores.

Off the coast of Ecuador lies the stunning archipelago of the Galápagos Islands. It's home to many species of animals, including tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, and, yep, even penguins! There are tropical, sun-loving penguins in the Galápagos!
It's a magical place.
Photo by Martin Bernetti/AFP/Getty Images.
Unfortunately, the weather system known as El Niño is getting worse, and it could disrupt the livelihoods of the Galápagos' unique collection of creatures. As the UN report states:
"El Niño affects the entire food web, with warmer waters reducing the upwelling of nutrients that usually characterizes the cold waters around the Galápagos, resulting in a reduction in phytoplankton availability and causing small fish and invertebrates to migrate away, as well as reducing the growth of algae on which many species rely."
Food webs are called webs for a reason. Every part of them structurally relies on the other parts; if even the smallest part is in danger, the whole thing is in danger.
Photo by Martin Bernetti/AFP/Getty Images.
After a visit to the Galápagos, Charles Darwin started positing his theory of natural selection, which forever changed the way we look at the natural world. The islands aren't just a beautiful vacation spot — they're home to a historic, culturally important, and fragile ecosystem.
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2. Yellowstone National Park could become a dry wasteland.

Yellowstone became the world's first national park when President Grant signed the Yellowstone Act in 1872, designating the region a public "pleasuring ground" (probably right before he realized how weird that sounded).
People from all over the world come to see Yellowstone's jaw-dropping landscapes, cheer for the Old Faithful geyser, and see bison and moose, all the while wondering how to pluralize "bison" and "moose."
Photo by Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images.
Unfortunately, according to the UN report, Yellowstone is a candle burning at both ends. Warming temperatures are causing shorter winters and longer summers, which means less snowfall feeding the rivers, lakes, and wetlands during winter months, as well as a longer, more dangerous fire season during summer months.
Photo by Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images.
The vibrant forests of Yellowstone could be replaced with drier shrublands. And no one wants to Instagram that.

3. The Statue of Liberty is at "'high exposure' risk from sea-level rise due to the extremely low elevation of the island and its vulnerability to storms," according to the report.

In what is perhaps the greatest metaphor of all time for the threat climate change poses to our national interests, America's giant copper symbol of freedom and security is in pretty serious danger.
Photo by Kena Betancur/Getty Images.
For generations of immigrants, the Statue of Liberty has been a beacon of hope, an outstretched hand in a world of fists, a light at the end of the tunnel of tyranny where they could finally be free.
It remains a symbol of the promise of a second chance, comforting the tired, poor, and huddled masses, yearning to breathe free.
Rising sea levels, which are already a real-life disaster, could bring to life the iconic disaster-movie image of the "ruined Statue of Liberty." That would be a tragedy.

4. Stonehenge could become unstable and inaccessible due to flash flooding.

Stonehenge was constructed thousands of years ago by either ancient humans or aliens, depending on who you ask, and no one really knows how they did it. First of all, some of the stones were from 200 miles away. Second of all, the wheel wasn't even invented yet — it was barely a glimmer in the eye of some ancient Steve Jobs.
Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images.
There are theories, sure — everything from brute force to druid magic to this guy, who figured out how to move giant stones with the clever use of tiny stones (honestly, my money is on him).
Stonehenge gets over 1 million visitors a year. Climate change, combined with such heavy tourist foot traffic, could threaten the structural integrity of the world's most famous ancient monument.
"Of most concern for Stonehenge are increasing rainfall amounts, more extreme rainfall events and worsening floods," says the UN report. "Flash floods can result in damage through gullying and wetter conditions are also expected to increase the impact of visitors walking on the site."
Photo by Niklas Halle'n/AFP/Getty Images.
Frankly, if Stonehenge is in danger, that should be one of the biggest warning signs of all. The monument has stood for thousands of years and has remained in remarkably good shape. If the changing climate has the ability to ruin its winning streak, we should all be shaking in our boots.

5. Venice, Italy, is already sinking — but rising sea levels are making the floating city drown even faster.

Venice is one of the World Heritage Sites "most at threat" from sea level rise.
"Flooding at especially high tides or as a result of storm surges has always been an issue for Venice. But now, with sea levels rising, the problem is becoming much more severe," the report says.
Photo by Franco Debernardi/Getty Images.
The report also suggests that flooding in Venice could damage the buildings that sit on the lagoon, as it did in 1966. Venice's floodgates will also have to remain closed longer and longer, which could lead to worsening stagnant water pollution.
Venice is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, and the city relies heavily on those tourist dollars. If the tourists stop coming because of the damaged buildings or unstable structures, the economic impact on the city will be massive.

Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images.
Beyond economics, though, Venice is a city filled with history and vibrant culture. Its Renaissance architecture and old-world charm draw so much tourism for a reason. It's a beautiful place, and we should do what we can to keep it around.

The biggest takeaway from the UNESCO report is that climate change, left unchecked, can damage a lot more than we think.

There's a seemingly insurmountable amount of work to be done if we want to save these World Heritage Sites from their impending doom. There are some who say it's impossible, but humans have already done more improbable and incredible things.
We built a giant copper lady on an island to dedicate a nation to liberty. We protected 3,400 square miles of natural habitat by declaring it a national park. We discovered the origin of species. We built a city that floats on the water. We built ... whatever Stonehenge is.
And while that last thing was (debatably) created by aliens, the point is this: Humans are capable of amazing things. Stopping the effects of climate change can be one of them.

Singaporean buys Tasmania's Waterhouse Island: 5 other islands sold in the last decade

Singaporean buys Tasmania's Waterhouse Island: 5 other islands sold in the last decade


Private islands are certainly not scarce and there are hundreds around the world available for sale and rent.
They offer an exotic getaway and a form of escapism and may even be transformed into luxurious resorts to be shared with others.
A Singaporean businessmen has recently purchased Waterhouse Island, a private island located off the north-east coast of Tasmania for A$5.5 million (S$5.48 million).
The new owner has revealed initial plans to use this 287ha island as a private holiday getaway.
Tasmania's Waterhouse Island is just one of the several islands around the world that have been acquired by wealthy men and women.
Here are five other islands which were sold in the last decade:

Slipper Island, New Zealand (2015)

View of (from left) Slipper, Penguin and Rabbit Islands from the top of Mount Paku. PHOTO: OREN ROZEN/ WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
In 2015, Slipper Island, a privately owned island located 4km off the coast of New Zealand's North Island, was sold to a wealthy Chinese "housewife" for NZ$7.5 million.
The buyer, Ms Wendy Weimei Wu, reportedly bought this 217 ha island as a gift for her daughter, Ms Vivienne Zhuo.
According to Daily Mail Online, the Needham family, who owned Slipper Island for 45 years, were divided by this sale.

Skorpios Island, Greece (2013)

Skorpios Island was sold to Ms Ekaterina Rybolovleva, the daughter of a Russian billionaire. PHOTO: CHRIS BARNS/ FLICKR
Ms Ekaterina Rybolovleva, 24, daughter of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, bought a Greek island named Skorpios in 2013.
This island, sold at a reported price of £100 million, also served as the wedding venue of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and Jacqueline Kennedy, the widow of late American president John F. Kennedy, in 1968.
Besides the island of Skorpios, a representative of Mr Rybolovlev's family investment office has revealed that Ms Rybolovleva also purchased the nearby island of Sparti, Daily Mail Online reported.

Lanai Island, Hawaii (2012)

US billionaire Lawrence J. Ellison bought 98 per cent of Lanai Island. PHOTO: CURT SMITH/ FLICKR
American billionaire Lawrence J. Ellison, who co-founded software and programming company Oracle, purchased 98 per cent of the Hawaiian island of Lanai in 2012.
The island came with a price tag of US$500 million, according to Business Insider. The remaining 2 per cent of Lanai is owned by the state of Hawaii.
Once deemed as a worldwide top supplier of pineapples which produced 75 per cent of the world's pineapples, this Hawaiian Island was given the nickname "Pineapple Island".
The 35,612ha island is home to two Four Seasons resorts - Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay and Four Seasons Resort Lanai the Lodge at Koele - which both came as part of the overall sale.

Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands (2007)

Moskito Island was acquired by Sir Richard Branson. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Moskito Island, part of the British Virgin Islands, was purchased by Sir Richard Branson in 2007 for £6.5 million.
This 50ha island is just 3.2km away from Necker Island, an island also owned by the English business magnate.
The exotic Moskito Island now features a beautiful eco-resort developed by the tycoon, with 11 bedrooms that can house 22 guests, according to Forbes.

Laucala Island, Fiji (2003)

Austrian co-founder of Red Bull, Mr Dietrich Mateschitz, acquired Fiji's Laucala Island. PHOTO: LAUCALA ISLAND
In 2003, the Austrian co-founder of the Red Bull energy drink, Mr Dietrich Mateschitz, acquired Fiji's Laucala Island for US$10 million.
The 1,416ha island was previously owned by Mr Malcolm Forbes, owner and publisher of Forbes magazine. Mr Forbes was buried at that very island when he died in 1990.
Laucala Island features a resort with a golf course, a farm with chickens, pigs, cattle and quails, a herb garden, a nursery and several hydroponic greenhouses, according to The Telegraph. These facilities are all in line with Mr Mateschitz's goal of making the entire island self-sufficient.

Makanan Bagi Kesehatan Jantung!

Makanan Bagi Kesehatan Jantung!

  Makanan Bagi Kesehatan Jantung
Kandungan omega-3 tinggi yang terkandung dalam kacang merah dapat mengurangi kadar kolesterol buruk dalam tubuh (femininbio.com)
Beberapa hal dapat Anda lakukan untuk terhindar dari penyakit jantung non bawaan, termasuk mengonsumsi makanan. Faktor makanan yang baik untuk jantung memiliki peran penting dalam kesehatan jantung. Berikut makanan yang dapat memberikan efek pelindung jantung

Kacang Merah
Kacang merah memiliki kandungan nutrisi yang mampu menyehatkan jantung. Kandungan omega-3 tinggi yang terkandung dalam kacang merah dapat mengurangi kadar kolesterol buruk dalam tubuh, dapat membantu dalam membersihkan arteri, mengontrol detak jantung tubuh dan juga dapat menurunkan tekanan darah. Mengkonsumsi kacang merah dalam jumlah tertentu dapat menurunkan resiko penyakit jantung sebesar 22%. Mengolah kacang merah dengan campuran rempah seperti kunyit, jahe dan juga basil yang bertujuan agar kandungan gas berlebih dapat dikurangi.

Hazelnut
Hazelnut mengandung oleic acid dan lemak omega-9 yang memiliki manfaat sebagai penurun tekanan darah, mencegah stroke hingga melindungi Anda dari serangan penyakit jantung. Sebuah penelitian yang dilakukan oleh European Journal of Critical Nutrition mengungkapkan dengan mengkonsumsi 30 gram hazelnut setiap hari bisa meningkatkan kadar kolesterol baik dalam tubuh, dan dapat menurunkan jumlah kolesterol jahat disamping itu dapat mencegah terjadinya timbunan plak pada arteri.

Flaxseed
Bunga Flax atau dengan nama latin Linium Usistatissinum menghasilkan biji-bijian yang dinamakan dengan Flaxseed. Flaxseed diketahui mengandung asam lemak omega-3. Canadian Journal of Cardiology pernah menerbitkan sebuah penelitian yang menyebutkan bahwa flaxseed yang dihaluskan dengan cara digerus lalu dicampur dengan makanan lain dapat memberikan dampak baik bagi kesehatan jantung.

Bawang Putih
Weill Medical Collage of Cornell University di New York pernah merilis sebuah penelitian tentang bawang putih. Bawang putih dapat menurunkan tekanan darah selain itu juga dapat membersihkan sumbatan pada bagian pembuluh darah arteri. Selain itu mengonsumsi bawang putih dalam waktu 4 minggu dapat menurunkan kolesterol sekitar 12%.

Kurangi Rasa Lapar dengan Berolahraga!

Kurangi Rasa Lapar dengan Berolahraga!

Kurangi Rasa Lapar dengan Berolahraga
Kurangi Rasa Lapar dengan Berolahraga. (Istimewa).

JAKARTA - Sebuah penelitian mengungkapkan, bahwa olahraga tak hanya menyehatkan tubuh, namun juga bisa mengurangi rasa lapar. Hal ini diungkapkan oleh penelitian yang dilakukan oleh University of Alabama Birmingham.

Dilansir dari Women's Health, penelitian ini melibatkan 38 pelajar yang baru saja melakukan ujian ke dalam dua grup. Grup pertama diberi waktu 15 menit untuk beristirahat, sedangkan grup kedua langsung melakukan olahraga berat.

Selanjutnya, peneliti memberikan makanan pizza kepada pelajar tersebut. Hasil penelitian ini pun menunjukkan, bahwa responden yang berada di grup pertama memakan 100 gram pizza lebih banyak dibandingkan mereka yang berolahraga.

Pemimpin penelitian ini, William H. Neumeier, Ph.D menjelaskan, bahwa akibat tak banyak bergerak pada kelompok pertama memicu terjadinya fluktuasi gula darah dan insulin.

"Fluktuasi tersebut mungkin memberi sinyal pada otak bahwa tubuh perlu energi, sehingga mereka makan lebih banyak," papar William.

Lanjut William menjelaskan, olahraga menyediakan energi pada otak dalam bentuk glukosa dan laktase. Selain itu, olahraga juga bisa memengaruhi hormon lapar dan kenyang sehingga mengurangi nafsu makan serta dapat menyegarkan kerja mental.

Cara ini pun dipercaya bisa ampuh digunakan pada mereka yang ingin menurunkan berat badan.

Kacang-kacangan, Sumber Nutrisi Sahabat Tubu.!!

Kacang-kacangan, Sumber Nutrisi Sahabat Tubu.!!

Thinkstockphotos Aneka jenis kacang-kacangan.


KOMPAS.com - Walau ukurannya kecil, tapi kacang-kacangan adalah bahan makanan yang memiliki ragam nutrisi yang membuatnya layak disebut sebagai sahabat tubuh.

Dengan harga yang jauh lebih murah dari protein hewani, kacang-kacangan memiliki kandungan protein dan asam amino esensial yang tinggi. Bahan pangan ini juga bisa dijadikan sumber karbohidrat kompleks, vitamin, dan mineral.

Kacang juga kaya akan lemak tek jenuh seperti omega 3. Zat ini mengurangi penimbunan lemak di pembuluh darah yang memicu penyumbatan pembuluh darah dan hipertensi.

Serat yang tak larut air merupakan manfaat lain dari kacang. Kacang merah dan kacang hijau memiliki kandungan serat tertinggi.

Mengingat begitu banyak manfaat kacang, pada Sidang Umum Tahunannya yang ke 68, Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa menetapkan tahun 2016 sebagai Tahun Aneka Kacang Internasional.

Inisiatif terhadap penetapan tersebut datang dari Pakistan dan Turki melalui konsultasi dengan negara-negara lain. Para negara tersebut percaya bahwa kacang-kacangan memegang peranan penting guna menghadapi tantangan keamanan pangan dan perubahan iklim yang sekaligus berkontribusi pada pasokan sumber makanan yang seimbang dan sehat.

Masyarakat Indonesia, terutama mereka yang tinggal di kawasan timur mengkonsumsi kacang-kacangan sebagai bagian dari makanan pokok mereka. Di Nusa Tenggara Timur, catemak jagung merupakan makanan pokok tradisional yang dibuat dari jagung dan kacang-kacangan.

“Sudah tiba saatnya bagi kita untuk kembali dan mempromosikan kekayaan dan keberagaman Indonesia melalui berbagai jenis masakan berbahan kacang-kacangan. Kacang-kacangan terbukti sebagai sumber nutrisi penting, menyehatkan, dan murah,” kata Jiwon Rhee, Associate Professional Officer di Perwakilan Organisasi Pangan dan Pertanian PBB di Indonesia.

Kekurangan pangan masih menjadi masalah utama bagi banyak orang dan rumah tangga di Indonesia, khususnya bagi mereka yang tinggal di daerah miskin, dimana daging, produk susu, dan ikan sulit dijangkau secara ekonomis. Dengan demikian, kacang-kacangan dapat menjadi solusi masalah kekurangan pangan yang terjadi.

6 Manfaat Lain Minyak Kelapa!

Five of the best mini-breaks in Auckland!

Five of the best mini-breaks in Auckland


Snorkeler Tony Enderby surveying fish in their natural habitat at Goat Island Marine Reserve in Leigh.Convert 50+ Files On-line Free All in One Converter!
Auckland has plenty about it to love, but sometimes we all need to get away from the big smoke.
If you're already considering a mid-winter break but don't want to break the bank, then a stay-cation rather than a vacation may be just the thing. And one of the great aspects of Auckland, because of its huge sprawl, is that there are some secret little corners that will make you think you're not in Auckland anymore.

Here at Stuff we've put together a list of our favourite spots on the fringes of the city, which will provide you with a getaway, be it just for the day or an overnighter. Either way, they're guaranteed to show you a new side of Auckland and recharge your batteries..
1. Goat Island, Leigh
TONY ENDERBY/FAIRFAX
Snorkeler Tony Enderby surveying fish in their natural habitat at Goat Island Marine Reserve in Leigh.
With pristine waters and friendly fish, the marine reserve of Goat Island in Auckland's rural north is a world away from the hustle and bustle of big city Auckland. Though a dip in the water may not sound like the ideal holiday for a mid-winter break, the locals say its the perfect time to visit, with the weather conditions making for the most crystal clear waters.
You can tog up in a thick wetsuit provided by the local rental snorkelling shop, or if you really don't want to get wet there are kayaks or a glass-bottomed boat offering 45-minute tours of the marine life. And then drift back to Leigh for a meal and a hot toddy. You can make it a day trip or shack up in one of the local lodges or B'n'Bs to make a weekend of it - and check out some of the other local attractions.


2. Matakana
Mahurangi River winery is one of the finest of Matakana's selection of vineyards.
SUPPLIED
Mahurangi River winery is one of the finest of Matakana's selection of vineyards.
So fins and a wet suit are not your cup of tea. Maybe a glass of pinot and a cheese platter is more your style. No problem, the north can cater for your tastes too. A mere hour away from Auckland's CBD a sprawl of vineyards and cafes awaits you.
With plenty of accommodation around, you can easily extend your stay it into a weekend getaway. Enjoy the Matakana Farmer's Market which takes place every Saturday and Sunday with a spread of fresh produce and great lunch food. We'd highly recommend the buffalo burgers. There is also a quality ice cream shop and a gallery of local arts and crafts to bring some of Matakana home with you.
3. Kawau Island
Kawau Island is surrounded by clear blue water, in case you're the type to brave a mid-season dip.
SHERIDEN RHODES
Kawau Island is surrounded by clear blue water, in case you're the type to brave a mid-season dip.
Auckland is a city of cars (and congestion and interminable traffic light delays at times). So where better to get away from Auckland without leaving Auckland than go where there are no cars. Get out onto the Hauraki Gulf and try Kawau Island, accessible only by a ferry or a water taxi. Once you're there we guarantee the big smoke will be well out of your mind. 
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Take a walk along one of the Island's many tracks, visit the Mansion House to dabble in some history and if your budget allows, stay in one of the Island's cottages overnight.
4. The Whatipu Caves 'Ballroom'
In a little under an hour, you could be watching the waves crashing on the rocks at Piha beach.
HARSH TIWARI
In a little under an hour, you could be watching the waves crashing on the rocks at Piha beach.
The black sands of Piha are of course well known, after all they feature in TVNZ's popular Piha Rescue. But it can offer so much more than a simple day out. Why not use it as your gateway to explore this part of Auckland's rugged west coast.
From Piha you can walk up the coast and then into the walking tracks of the Waitakere Ranges. Pick your track depending on your taste for adventure and effort, you can vary from relatively easy walks to those more challenging.
All come with beautiful bush and stunning views when you reach a vantage point. We defy you not to feel refreshed after a day on the coast - and amazed that such pristine nature is so close and accessible to Auckland.
The caves have an interesting background - they were used as a shelter in pre-european times and as a dancehall early in ...
Epic Little Missions
The caves have an interesting background - they were used as a shelter in pre-european times and as a dancehall early in the 20th century.
If your legs are up to it you can also walk south of Piha to Whatipu Beach (or take the car and zigzag back in to Titirangi and out to Whatipu via Huia) where you can visit a west coast highlight - the Whatipu Caves.
Nestled into the cliff face, there are a range of caves which are believed to have been used as shelters by pre-European Maori. But it is the biggest cave Te Ana Ru which has the most colourful history. It is said to have been used as an impromptu ballroom by early European settlers, with boat loads of revellers even journeying from Onehunga to offload on the beach and walk in their finery to the cave. It has been heavily silted by sand since then, but is still worth a visit. Remember to bring a flashlight!
The west coast promises distinctly non-Auckland vibes - but also has Auckland-quality cafes and accommodation to suit all budgets.

5. Muriwai 

The gannet colony is a Muriwai attraction.
Charlie Yang
The gannet colony is a Muriwai attraction.
A little further north of Piha is another rough, westy black sand beach to make you feel worlds away from backed-up motorway on-ramps and packed suburban beaches. Muriwai is the start of a stretch of unbroken beach which extends 50 kilometres north to the Kaipara Harbour, with thundering surf and sand hills.

Depending on how energetic you are feeling, you can consider walking the beach or simply driving up it. Muriwai is technically classified as a road and is popular with both motorbikes and four wheel drivers. Horse riding is also popular along the beach and there are horse tracks behind the sand dunes, accessible through the Woodhill Forest Equestrian Park.

There is bush walking, with the 'Hilary Trail' passing through Muriwai and there are plenty of mountain bike trails in the pine forests fringing the beach. The southern end of the beach is a regional park and includes a golf course.  If you want to hit the swells, the Muriwai Surf School hires surfboards and provides lessons. Or if you are a definite land lubber, why not try a sand yacht.
Of course one of the most famous features of Muriwai is the gannet colony, a truly impressive nesting roost for these beautiful birds. But its winter, so the gannets have all gone to wherever they go to escape the Auckland winter. However, it is still worth a look even without the birds, as the nesting ground they leave behind creates an almost artistically shaped landscape.

Now - I know we said this was the best five mini-getaways, but wait - there's more. Here's three more bonus picks.
6. Cascade Falls and Fairy Falls
The falls are hiding behind some rather large boulders - bring your togs if you're feeling brave!
Epic Little Missions
The falls are hiding behind some rather large boulders - bring your togs if you're feeling brave!
If the bush rather than the beach is more your scene, the Waitakere ranges also offers two waterfalls well worth a visit buried in the heart of the ranges well away from the sand. Base yourself in accommodation in the fringes of the ranges in West Auckland for the weekend and then tackle a waterfall a day.
Cascade, located from Falls Road, is designated "easy grade" by tour guide websites - perfect if you're after some adventure but don't want to work up too much of a sweat. The walk is around 45 minutes, and the starting point is a little over half an hour from Auckland's CBD. Fairy Falls is similarly an hour-long trek (or leisurely walk). There's plenty of native trees, as well as a swimming hole at each if you fancy a quick mid-winter dip, and the waterfalls themselves to ooh and aah over. For the rest of the days you can head back into the West's vineyard country, sampling the best they have to offer.
7. Tiritiri Matangi Island
Sea birds such as dotterels and oystercatchers nest at Hobbs Beach, Tiritiri Matangi.
ROSE REES-OWEN/FAIRFAX NZ
Sea birds such as dotterels and oystercatchers nest at Hobbs Beach, Tiritiri Matangi.
Another beautiful bush experience can be found on Tiritiri Matangi Island - which also takes you back in time, to what New Zealand would have looked and, importantly, sounded like before Europeans arrived with the possums, rats and other rodents which devastated our birdlife.The wildlife sanctuary which has been painstakingly returned to nature has an impressive array of birds from Kiwis to Kakapo. You can choose to take a guided tour around the Island, or look around in your own time.

Though it is not well known, you can convert a normal day trip into an overnight stay at the Tiritiri bunkhouse. Yes it's basic, no five star lodge, you need to bring a sleeping bag, but it is well equipped with cooking utensils, freezer, refrigerator, gas stove and BBQ, hot and cold running water, showers and bathroom facilities.
The pay off is the magic of spending the night in  a bird sanctuary enjoying a lost New Zealand. You are welcome to walk the trails with a torch at night.
8. Clevedon 
The milking herd of the Clevedon Valley Buffalo farm.
Fiona Goodall
The milking herd of the Clevedon Valley Buffalo farm.
​Just as the rural north offers magic, so does the rural south. Clevedon, a cute village surrounded by dairy farms and horse studs, is surrounded by ample accommodation choices, and offers easy access to the beautiful Maraetai coastline and a host of good eating options from quality fish and chips to eat at sunset on the beach or great local restaurants and vineyards.

A highlight is the Sunday farmer's market with plenty of local produce (such as mozzarella from the local buffalo farm or Clevedon oysters) to buy up and take back home to get the holiday feeling lasting all week. The flat roads of the area are a magnet for cyclists, so if biking is your thing, load up the cycle and hit the road for the morning.
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