Which Native Tree is That ? - Field Trip - Arataki Information Centre - Waitaks

Are you interested in learning something about the things we see along the tracks here in Auckland and Beyond out in nature?

Would you like to discover and discuss the known uses of some of our most popular nz native trees, plants , ferns and other things like the birds we often hear in our backyard or in the Waitakere Ranges or somewhere similar?

Come along today with my new revised Meet Up Group for 2026 - Soul to Sole Auckland Nature Appreciation Walking Group as we discover together the many New Zealand Native Trees and learn a Simple Method/ Guide to their identification, Ecology and Uses.

Hello - I'm Stephen French a well known local walking and hiking guide who's been bringing people together for outdoor adventures for many years..Born in Wellington..I've lived in Auckland since my childhood years...I was in scouts and my parents were keen bush walking and beach explorers..My mum was a cub leader too ..for many years where we lived in Balmoral...on Dominion Road ...along with my 3 brothers...growing up in Auckland in the 70s and 80s.

A lot of the Waitakere Ranges were untrod..We were allowed to camp freely throughout the year...make open fires to cook on...go on bush adventures..in my early 20s..

For me also ..it became my healing place ..I have become an avid book reader too..particularly fascinated with our previous early New immigrants and how they've built their lives in the Waitakere Ranges..be that as a farmer or a bushman..or a wife raising large families...Auckland is all about enjoying nature and happy outdoors adventures together..keeping me young at heart.

I founded Feet First Hiking And Urban Walking Meet Up Group in 2010...and have now left that amazing group to pursue other projects and pay it forward to sharing quality time outside together, especially to learn something about the things we see along the way..

Come prepared for adventure at the grass roots level to get together here with other Nature Enthusiasts and have a fun few hours here at the Arataki Information Centre in the Waitakere Ranges less than 15 minutes drive away from Titirangi Township...which loosely translates to mean the fringe of heaven...and the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges..Auckland's biggest Rainforest..and perhaps our best asset for Outdoors Activities Together..

I am no botanist or anything similar..I've simply been curious about what we see amongst all that green when out bush walking as I have done many years now..

Discovering the names of some of the Trees like the Kauri Tree or The Pohutukawa Tree also known as the NZ Christmas Trees are often what most people learn through their walking of dogs or with friends and family..

Today's Field Trip is all about slower paced walking together..starting from the carpark we explore the Arataki Information Centre inside and out...there's plenty of reasons to visit here today..

We will then follow a few short nature trails and follow one of my favourite authors Andrew Crowe's books that have inspired me directly to learn to identify our NZ Native Trees and Plants etc..

His methods help children and adults at the basic level of first looking at a Trees leaves..then identifying the trunk of the tree ..and perhaps the flowers..it becomes much easier overall and fun together here..to discover more Trees..learn more about their uses for early European people living here to heal cuts.. sore throats and how infusions of the bark from various trees could greatly improve their family's abilities to survive harder climates and not need a doctor or hospital visit..

We will aim to be finished by 2.30pm.. You decide what suits your plans.

Wear strong walking shoes or mountain sandals or something similar today. Carry everything you Need for the Days Activities including something warm or cooling...depending on the weather.

Bring along your Lunch and snacks. Sun protection etc.

Gold Coin donation please.

Meet us at 11AM at the Arataki Information Centre at 300 Scenic Drive.

Sunday January 11th - 2026.

No children or dogs today please.

We will have a fun few hours..Hopefully in sunny weather.

Carpooling - Transportation.

Add your Mobile number and Area where you live and contact each other . Give your Driver some money towards petrol or perhaps buy them an ice cream here today.

Bring along your own books in Tree Idenfication or you can purchase a few copies of Andrew Crowe's Which Native Tree or Which Native Forest Plant, Bird or something similar.

I will bring some of his handouts to assist you to learn to identify the leaves ...his simplest way ..because all retain their leaves year round.

Any questions or concerns please contact me directly.

I look forward to making your acquaintance here on Sunday.

Happy New Year.

Keep asking questions and be optimistic in 2026 and beyond.

We have a beautiful country in New Zealand..and particularly Auckland..if you're reasonably active..and adventurous.

Kind regards Stephen F
Mob 0274 779495