Resources for home activities in nature
How to make your garden attractive to native biodiversity
Create a native wildlife friendly habitat in your backyard.
Learn how to plan and plant a garden to attract native birds.
“To support our native birds, don’t feed them bread.”
“Whether you have a large site to restore, or planning a new garden at home, invite the birds over with plants that provide a year round supply of food.
A small garden can still attract birds, especially over winter and spring when tūī, bellbird and kererū (native wood pigeon) will travel considerable distances in search of flowers and fruit
Try to use ecosourced plants (plants that naturally occur in your area). These could include kōwhai, flax, kakabeak, and tarata for nectar; and wineberry, karamū, and korokia for fruit.” (DoC)
Nature activities for Whānau at home
“Easy, practical activities for getting outdoors with your family and spending time in nature while at home”. “Time in nature is good for you and your family’s well-being as it reduces stress and anxiety. Going outdoors can increase enthusiasm and focus as well as enhance creativity, problem solving and critical thinking.” (DoC)
Nature activities for kids
Predator Free NZ “Wildeyes” website is packed with nature missions for tamariki.
Create a Lizard Friendly Garden
“Want to make your own garden or backyard more wildlife friendly? Maybe you’re looking for a weekend activity that adults and children can enjoy together.
Why not make a lizard garden. It’s fun, it’s easy and we can show you how!” (Pest Free NZ)
New Zealand Garden Bird Survey
“Healthy bird populations can indicate that the environment is healthy. We know lots about endangered native birds in the bush, but we don’t always know what’s happening in the populations of all the birds around us, particularly in urban and garden environments.
That’s why we need you to help us count them.
What we learn from information about the birds in your garden collected by you and your fellow citizen scientists helps our researchers make decisions to protect our environment. It also tells us if what we are doing in areas such as predator control is working.
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research has led this nationwide initiative since 2007.”
