Vegetable sheep, or Raoulia, are a member of the daisy family, which flowers in December. All outdoors gear makers should examine them, as they bead water like a GoreTex jacket claims, except they do it in an alpine environment, rather than just in the confines of a shop. They are considered common, but only in an isolated mountainous zone.
The Velotautterrainian Europeanus also arrives in December, and can be found throughout New Zealand during the summer months. It often wears bright plumage in hope of finding immigration status. Here, examples of both meet on the Croesus Track, Paparoa Range, West Coast.
Photo and words: Richie Goldsbury
*What species did you encounter on your weekend ride?
Eucalyptus pilularis