Saturday evening saw perfect conditions for the first Western Bay Wildlife Night Tour, put on by the Western Bay Wildlife Trust as part of Conservation Week 2016.

After completing a health and safety briefing at the Mount Surf Club, about 20 people of all ages set off on a tour along Mauao's base track, guided by Julia Graham and Paul Cuming.

Guide Paul Cuming shows one of the pest traps. Supplied Photo.

As well as safety tips for the explorers, the pre-tour briefing included interesting information about the area's natural history and wildlife, as well as how the Rena disaster impacted on the local bird and marine animal residents.

The group got to see grey-faced petrels and little blue penguins, thanks to the headlamps provided by the Trust for every expeditioner.

The night started at 6pm and everyone arrived back at base after around two hours of exploring, to find warm Milo and animal biscuits waiting.

The tours continue this week, but be sure to book in advance: call 021 077 6851 or email [email protected]