Bat Walk at Matuku Link
June 2025
Our recent bat walk was a wonderful chance to connect people with the creatures that come to life after dark in our wetlands and forests. Although Saturday’s weather wasn’t on our side, we were lucky to have clearer skies on Sunday evening.
The evening began with an introduction to bats from local expert Tina Hamlin, who shared her knowledge of New Zealand’s only native land mammals, pekapeka (bats). Then, armed with bat detectors, our group set off into the twilight, ears tuned for the telltale clicking sounds of bat echolocation.
With plenty of insects in the air, the conditions seemed good for hearing bats – and we weren’t disappointed! While we didn’t see any bats, some of our detectors managed to pick up a few echolocation calls as bats zipped through the night sky.
Of course, bats weren’t the only highlight. Along the way, we also encountered some of the other fascinating nocturnal wildlife that calls Matuku Link home – titiwai (glowworms) glowing quietly among the trees, a large female tree wētā, a leaf-veined slug, and several very cool spiders.
We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us for this special night, and especially to Tina for her generosity and enthusiasm. Ngā mihi nui!
Thanks to Melissa Ward for sharing her photos from the evening.
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