In an initiative, the Department of Conservation, Mount Aspiring College and Eco Wanaka Adventures have built four weta motels to provide the island's mountain stone weta population with protection from natural predators such as mice and buff weka.
The weta population has been under threat since Doc established a habitat for buff weka on Mou Waho in 2004, prompting the insects to retreat to more remote parts of the island.
Earlier this year, Eco Wanaka Adventures, which runs boat trips to Mou Waho, approached Doc about installing weta motels on the island.
The motels will be installed this week during Conservation Week.
Mt Aspiring College spatial and product design pupil Bruce Thompson (17) designed the motels, with input from design teacher Simon King and DocWanaka area office biodiversity ranger Flo Gaud.
Believed to be the first designed for ground use rather than in trees, the motels are modified logs which enable visitors to observe the inhabitants in small viewing chambers while providing darkness the rest of the time. The 16mm tunnels allow weta access while keeping predators out.
"It's a much safer way for the public to actually see the weta without disturbing the habitat too much," Eco Wanaka co-owner Lee Eadie said.
Planning was also under way to make 40 additional non-viewing motels.
Conservation Week began yesterday. Native planting events and public talks have been organised around the region and the Coastal and Inland Conservation Awards will also be held.
Otago co-ordinator Liz Sherwood said a highlight this year was the nationwide Living Legends muck-in, a community native tree planting project at Waitati on September 25 featuring former All Black Kees Meeuws.
Volunteers were needed to plant 4800 trees, she said.
