| The rata trees in flower, the birds, the brushing of wet fern against my bare legs as I climbed over ridges on rainy days, chasing wild pigs. |
| Because they eat the new growth they have destroyed large areas of native rata, totara, titoki, kowhai and other species. |
| Some species which are particularly important to birds, such as kahikatea and rata, are excluded from harvesting. |
| There were rewarewa, kamahi and rata flowering, tinting the bush a deep rusty-red. |
| To see a stand of mature red beech and also kowhai, fuchsia and rata trees choose Bob's Cove Bridle Track, a walk that takes 1.5 hours. |
| If you are lucky enough to visit in the summer when the rata is flowering the deep green vegetation is brightened by patches of rich red. |
