The day began with a look at what can be found in the lake.

Fyke nets set the night before by DoC staff revealed the presence of the lagoon's namesake - one little eel (Wai = water, tuna = eel), along with dozens of common bullies of all sizes, the biggest being about 8cm long.

It was then on to the carpark at the end of Waghorn's Rd where there were two activities - the one was an explore of the boardwalk and the other was a Donatia hunt led by Ray Waghorn on his property. Donatia novae zealandiae or bog cushion is one of the special features of Waituna Wetlands.

This plant is usually found in an alpine bog situation, however in a disturbed situation it seems to thrive along the coast here at Waituna.

Many thanks to DoC and Environment Southland staff and to Ray Waghorn for making this a most enjoyable morning. Also to Gorge Road School for taking the time to enjoy this area, most appropriately in Conservation Week when the theme was 'Another World, Just Down the Road'.