Hi Everybody Nick here.

My family of two rather young children and a fabulous wife, like to jump in our car and go on what we refer to as “adventures”.

Nothing excites the kids more than their dad punching the air and shouting…..” we’re off to Staglands”.

The experiences I have shared there with my family and the delight on their faces as they point out creature after creature, makes me continue to return to this magical place. Here is a bit of background as to why the whole team there are Halo Heroes.

Staglands Wildlife Reserve plays a big part in conservation work with its captive breeding programs.  They have very successfully bred Blue Duck, Brown Teal and NZ Falcon to name but a few.

In the early 1970’s they also mounted a rescue mission alongside Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to preserve the kune kune pig breed which now sees them thriving.
One of their overall aims is to ensure that all New Zealanders have access to their native wildlife, as many birds and animals are bred on offshore islands and are therefore inaccessible to most.
By creating an interactive, memorable experience, their wildlife park hopes to inspire visitors to become more involved with the environment. The reserve is home to several important native species and liaison with the Department of Conservation ensures their long term survival

It is a must visit for anyone at any age and I have had the pleasure of getting to know the owners John Simister and Sarah Purdy

I will leave you with some fabulous words from John……..

“It is my belief that an enormously rewarding and lifelong appreciation of wildlife can be kindled by a brief, intense encounter with an animal or a bird. Ideally this will be in the wilds of our beautiful bush, maybe on a farm or even at home with grandma’s budgie. Few children or adults have such an opportunity nowadays.

Staglands is my attempt to provide that encounter in an environment that is as good as I can possibly make it.

Native animals, birds and plants need our help. Many are unlikely to survive without our willingness to provide huge ongoing funding in the form of donations, taxes and physical effort. That willingness to provide help, I believe, is more likely if an interest has been kindled by an enjoyable, first-hand experience, as can be obtained at Staglands.”

John Simister.