Kaituna Scenic Reserve revisited

On my way back from a quick trip to Tai Tapu for gas (ready for the this evening's barbecue) I stopped to capture this view of the Kaituna Scenic Reserve - a lowland podocarp forest remnant that is indicative of what was once prevalent across the peninsula. This shot also shows the difference between Kaituna and Prices Valley, as seen in yesterdays blip.

The reserve is notable for its stands of titoki, a tree with a fruit that's a favourite of the kereru (NZ wood pigeon). The sound of their heavy wingbeats can be heard around the forest as they clatter amongst the braches. There's also a few large kahikatea and matai trees, their butressed trunks providing shelter for a range of fungi and epiphytes.

Interestingly I took a shot here on this day last year too...