Exciting News: QEII The Stephenson Fund Supports Higgenz Bush Loop Track!

We're thrilled to announce that our application to the QEII The Stephenson Fund has been successful! This generous support will enable us to create a beautiful 700-metre loop walking track through Higgenz Bush, connecting our existing bush gullies and showcasing the remarkable regeneration happening on our farm.

A New Way to Experience Native Regeneration

The Higgenz Bush Lower Loop Track will offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the transformation of our landscape. As you walk the track, you'll journey through established native bush, emerging through our 2024 plantings, and experience the full spectrum of regeneration—from newly planted pioneers to mature canopy.

This isn't just a walking track—it's a living story of restoration.

Loop Track route (dashed yellow line)

What the QEII The Stephenson Fund Will Support

Thanks to the QEII The Stephenson Fund, we'll be able to:

• Construct 150 metres of new track connecting previously isolated bush areas, carefully designed to minimise impact on growing vegetation while maximising views of our restoration work.

• Connect to 550 metres of existing track, creating a complete 700-metre loop that showcases different stages of native regeneration.

The track will maintain a natural dirt and grass surface, keeping the experience authentic and low-impact. We'll incorporate natural drainage solutions and use sustainable, locally sourced materials where needed.

Timing and Planning

We're planning to commence construction in June 2026, working carefully to complete the track before our new plantings become fully established. This timing will ease access for construction while minimising disturbance to the growing native plants.

The track design has been thoughtfully planned to:

• Integrate with our existing tracks
• Provide optimal views of newly planted areas
• Allow visitors to see the progression of native regeneration
• Protect both existing and new vegetation

Why This Matters

This loop track will transform how people experience Higgenz Bush. Instead of isolated glimpses into different restoration areas, visitors will be able to walk a complete circuit that tells the full story of our regeneration journey.

You'll see:

• Mature native bush with tui and kereru calling from the canopy
• Mid-stage regeneration where indigenous plants are flourishing
• Our newest plantings—570 pioneer species planted in 2025
• The landscape evolving from paddock to sanctuary

It's one thing to hear about native regeneration. It's another to walk through it, to see with your own eyes how quickly nature bounces back when given the chance.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We're deeply grateful to the QEII Stephenson Fund for supporting this project. Their investment in our vision means that more people will be able to connect with native regeneration, to learn about conservation in action, and to experience the joy of walking through a landscape that's being restored for future generations.

This track will evolve with the bush itself—what you see this year will be different from what you see in five years, as our plantings mature and wildlife returns. It's a living, changing experience that will only get better with time.

See our restoration goals for 2026. The work continues.