Page 38 - 2008 NZ Subantarctic Islands

regarding the Scottish influence here. There were portraits of the

first arrivals in the area—all Scotsmen. Journals and diaries
covering the terrible voyages necessary to reach this new world

were displayed prominently. The history of the Scottish Church
was well explained. And if all that had not been enough, as we

were leaving Dunedin, we were serenaded by a wonderful
Bagpipe Band. Other instruments were combined and it was
actually an entertaining experience. There were drums naturally

as well as a saxophone and an accordion. Scotland the Brave rang
out loud and brassily as we cleared the harbor.

Taiarora Head

However, our real reason for visiting Dunedin was not to savor the
Scots flavor of the city. Our purpose to visit another preserve for
native birds: Taiarora Head. This clifftop headland is managed for

the protection and propagation of the Royal Albatross, though
other birds do fly through and use the land for resting. Only the

Royals nest there however. Again, DOC has declared limited
access to the enclosed viewing platform at the edge of the cliff.

We were first ushered into the Visitors Center where we viewed
an interesting film about the albatross life cycle and the purposes

of this Preserve. We were also educated about the need for
silence even in the viewing platform and certainly on the steep
pathway up to that place. Only 18 visitors at a time are allowed

there and only 18 on the pathway leading upwards. Furthermore,
each visitor has only 15 minutes to gaze out at the albatross and

other birds. A fence keeps predators off the cliff-face and
prevents humans from walking over into the area. Further, there

is a caretaker 24 hours a day to prevent vandalism or other
intrusions.

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