Wildflower Walks and Drives

While Central Otago is dominated by the ‘big empty sky’, the spectacular mountain landscape provides a challenging home for the many varieties of plants and insects that live there. The moon-like features of the rocky Otago schist outcrops or tors have been exposed as the surrounding grounds have been weathered away. The Rock and Pillar Range, Rough Ridge, Raggedy Range and Old Man Range all have wonderful examples of these distinctive and sometimes spectacular rock formations and tors.

The hills and mountains of Central Otago are home to ancient soils and a large variety of wild flowers, rare and mainly native. Once the snow clears after the usually harsh winter, there is a 5-6 month growing season for the plants from late spring to early autumn. Because of these harsh conditions the plants need to be tough, strongly rooted and low growing. There is a wide variety of plant life including cushionfields, alpine shrubs and herbs, attractive tussock grasses, daisies and buttercups. Along with the many plant species there is a wide range of insects, usually brightly coloured and hairy, which have adapted to the alpine conditions.

The best area to explore at any one time changes as the season progresses and you will need to be advised in this regard. You can explore the hills and mountains and see the flowers and insect life on foot, mountain bike or 4 wheel drive. If you wish we can organise a knowledgeable guide and transport to accompany you on a day in the
hills to see the wildflowers.

For more information contact;
Safari Excursions
Email      jdouglas.alx@xtra.co.nz
Website www.wildflowerwalks.co.nz