Keeping the Islands Pest Free
To assist the Department of Conservation in maintaining Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands pest free, we ask that you take the following precautions when packing for camp.
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Pack all food goods in sealed containers. This may mean taping up any holes in any cardboard boxes etc
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Check all gear for stowaways such as rats, mice, hedgehogs etc, especially sleeping bags and tents that have been stored in the attic or basement for a few years. Give everything a good shake out prior to packing.
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Check all gear especially the soles of your shoes and inside tents, for plant material, seeds and ants. Although this may seem trivial, imported plants can play havoc on an eco-system. Wash any dirt from these items if necessary
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Ensure all group and personal gear is packed in sealed suitcases and/or containers
- Double check everything before loading the boat to come over
- For more information check out the Department of Conservation's website by clicking here
When confirming all your final logistics for camp you may be asked to inform us of your proposed loading times as a member of the Department of Conservation bio-security team may wish to be present for this process. Do not worry as this will only mean a man and a specially trained dog may turn up to sniff your luggage.
All schools or other large groups will also be met upon arrival by the Island based DoC bio-security ranger. He/she will need 5-10 minutes of the whole groups time to give a brief talk on island bio-security. This includes an overview of what has happened during the eradication and the outcomes since being declared pest free, as well as different types of traps and tracking tunnels that you may see around the islands; how they work and expected behaviour towards this equipment.
Please download the following documents to assist you with your bio-security checks