Rewilding Days are close to our hearts at Goodnature. Every Goodnature employee is given two rewilding days a year, and they’re a chance to step out of the office and into the wild places that surround our Wellington HQ, and beyond. A tangible expression of our belief that a world with less pests is a world with more nature, these days also give us valuable insights into how our traps hold up in the toughest conditions, and allow us to see first-hand how they’re helping nature thrive.

Here's a glimpse into Joe and Ben's Rewilding Day in the Northern Ruahines—from rugged river crossings and digging out buried traps to unforgettable encounters with New Zealand's unique wildlife.

Rewilding The Northern Ruahines

The Whakaurekou River, tucked into the rugged Northern Ruahines, is more than just a stunning landscape—it’s a lifeline for one of New Zealand’s rarest birds, the whio, or blue duck.

Whio are river specialists, thriving only in fast-flowing rivers and nesting along the riverbanks, which makes them especially vulnerable to flooding and predators like stoats. Without active trap-line management, whio populations would face serious decline. Conservation efforts in places like Whakaurekou aim to give these unique birds a fighting chance.

“These traps form a critical piece of the conservation puzzle in this region,” Ben explained. “The Northern Ruahines are monitored by a network of trap lines, sometimes really hard to access, and maintained by volunteers, local communities, and iwi-led efforts. Each one of these trap lines counts.” adds Joe.

Both were welcomed with open arms by Janey and Brian, the amazing people behind River Valley Lodge & Rafting. Dedicated trappers and passionate about the area, they even host the annual Whio Hui, where volunteers get together to celebrate wins and plan what’s next for conservation. They helped Joe and Ben reach their campsite by raft, sharing stories along the way of how whio sightings, once rare, are now a daily thing on the river.

Rewilding Days Are Not Your Typical Workday

Goodnature was born in the wild, and it’s where we do our best work. Every Goodnaturist spends their first day in the bush, and we encourage our teams to go back whenever they need inspiration or want to test an idea. Each Goodnaturist is given two extra days off to step away from their desk and get into the wild. For Ben, combining work with time out in our rugged backyard was a “no-brainer and a great opportunity to see our traps in action."

For Joe, who has been with Goodnature for years, these experiences have a different appeal. “It gave me a whole new level of empathy for all the hard mahi (work) done by volunteers,” he said. “Imagine what it’s like to wade through cold water, bash through vines, dodge ongaonga… only to find a trap isn’t working.” It’s a frustration that fuels our commitment to improve our traps so that no trap line deployment or check goes to waste.

Facing the Impact of Cyclone Gabrielle

Before their journey, Ben and Joe had only witnessed the cyclone’s devastation through media coverage, which didn’t fully prepare them for what they encountered.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Ben admitted. “With the devastation I’d seen online, we packed more supplies than usual, preparing for the possibility of damaged traps or challenging conditions.” Joe, too, had anticipated difficulties, as his last trip was cut short halfway through.

As they moved up the valley, the signs of Gabriel’s powerful impact unfolded around them. The first few traps, which had been serviced six months ago by Joe, seemed to be functioning well. But as they ventured further, the true impact of the cyclone became clear: thick silt deposits, buried or displaced traps, and massive trees thrown about like driftwood. In some spots, the valley floor—framed by hundred-meter cliffs—had been completely submerged.

“It was amazing to me that some traps, buried or partially submerged, were still on the trees, despite being hammered by the flood.” says Ben. “we carefully dug up and removed them when necessary, to bring them back to Goodnature’s headquarters in Wellington for repair or recycling”.

“A few traps, even with silt filling the lure caps, still delivered a solid ‘BANG!’ when tested with fresh gas canisters” Joe added. “There’s real pride in seeing our traps surviving in the most remote places and hostile environments.”

Field Challenges and Hidden Rewards

From navigating knee-deep river crossings to pushing through dense bush, Ben and Joe faced several physical challenges. Joe described the trek as “wet socks and waist-high crossings, again and again.” The terrain required that each trap be high up the banks, which often meant clambering up steep paths while dodging patches of ‘ongaonga’, New Zealand’s stinging nettle. “While the line wasn’t long, each trap took extra effort to reach. Trying not to get a face full of ongaonga added to the challenge,” Joe said.

Yet, for all the struggles, the trip held a deeper reward: the chance to witness breathtaking scenery and some of the valley’s most remarkable inhabitants and landscapes. As Ben shared, “we were lucky to spot a whio just downriver from our camp—proof that the conservation efforts everyone is making in the region are not only important but also working.”

A Trip to Remember

Ben described the experience simply as “Unlike anything else!” while Joe laughed, calling it “Cliffs and wet socks.” But reflecting more seriously, they agreed these trips go beyond trap maintenance; they’re a chance to reconnect with the land, encounter the unique wildlife they work to protect, and build another chapter in Goodnature’s story.

For anyone thinking about conservation, no effort is too small. “Start with just one trap, even in your own backyard, or connect with local groups. Many efforts are already underway—find one and jump in!” Joe added, “Conservation is a team effort. There are countless groups out there who would welcome another pair of hands.”