West Coast's Natural History

Forestry
The rainforest remaining on the property where On Yer Bike! is situated is natural Podocarp forest consisting mainly of Rimu (red and pine), Kahikatea (white pine), Miro and Beech trees. Most of it is second growth from previous milling with some virgin forest remaining in areas. Other major plant species are Ponga Fern (locally called ‘bungies), and Manuka (tea tree).

Local Birdlife
During your West Coast adventure you'll get the chance to see some wonderful birdlife, including Weka, Pukeko, Fantail, Wood Pigeon, Bellbird, Tui, Waxeye and imported species such as Blackbird, Sparrow and Thrush. There are seasonal couples of the Paradise Duck who breed by Coal Creek and the occasional visit of a White Faced Heron or the rarer White Heron. Native whistling Frogs can be heard seasonally also.

Farming at On Yer Bike!
Cattle and sheep are farmed on the On Yer Bike! property. Australian possums roam the farm causing damage to the trees. They and the stoat also carry TB and can infect cattle at times. Hares and feral Deer can often be seen also.

The Twelve Apostles
The ‘Twelve Apostle’ Range can be seen to the west, named for their 12 peaks. They are made of limestone and have the characteristic steep limestone bluffs and sinkholes – a trap for the occasional stray dog at times.

Historical Landscape
Glaciers extended to the sea from the Southern Alps during the Ice Age and much of the farm has gravel deposits from the glacial moraine. This is useful for the tracks and roading.

Alongside Coal Creek are silt/clay deposits, which are being taken at present by Solid Energy. It is being mixed in slurry with water and kiln dust and poured onto coal mine fires in an effort to extinguish them. The fire has been burning for the past 8 years. The slurry, on contact with the hot rock around the fire, fires into a vitreous mass hopefully smothering the fire.

For more information about the amazing West Coast adventures available at On Yer Bike! click here