Gondola Hill getaway

The annual opportunity to experience some of Marlborough’s best views, while benefitting local birdlife, opens for one day only on Sunday, October 12.

After being postponed due to weather conditions in May, the fundraising walk, which leaves from Fantail Heights, Endeavour Park Estate, Picton, has Anna Polson, spokesperson for Picton Dawn Chorus and Kaipupu Sanctuary supporters, “crossing fingers, toes and everything else” for a fine day out.

“We’re very grateful to be able to host this walk again because it’s privately owned and only opened to the public one day a year, after our attempt in May didn’t happen due to weather”, said Anna.

“Mount Collins is quite an iconic hill surrounding Picton ... and has quite a long history having a proposed gondola there, so we’re encouraging people to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the opportunity.

“We know people like stretching their legs and exploring, and while it’s quite a steep walk it’s also not too long and well worthwhile being a part of. The views are simply spectacular, looking over to the Kenepuru and Port Underwood as well as down the Queen Charlotte Sound, of course over Kaipupu Sanctuary too – it’s really the pinnacle of viewing points.”

The walk’s proceeds, to be paid on the day, is going directly back to the outdoor wildlife protection efforts.

“We’ll be using the funds in our pest trapping efforts for purchasing more AT220 self-loading traps which we’re really finding are making a difference to our local birdlife”, she says.

“This spring we’re seeing far more native birdlife – I have resident kereru and tui in our home garden so we’re seeing the impact our trapping efforts are having on the birdlife in real life.

“We hope plenty of people join us and continue seeing our environment thrive.”
Register through Eventfinda, and pay on the day - $20 for the public, $15 for Dawn Chorus members, 12 and under free.