The 25th Paradise Plates: The perfect place to see Pekapeka and to put plastic in its place!

I had no idea a crazy event dreamed up by James Smithells in 1998 would still be running 27 years later, nor did I ever imagine it would become so iconic on the NZ Disc Golf Tour. It’s a special place indeed, and not just for its unique disc golf.

Misty mornings at Paradise always give way to high temperatures and clear skies.

Paradise is like chicken soup for the soul. If you have never been, or stayed, or played, then you really don’t know what you’re missing out on – hence this blog article!

Paradise is where you will reconnect with nature: the mossy ground, the massive old-growth forest trees, the dappled sunlight, the cool moist morning air, the stunning views up into the main divide, and the unusual sights, and sounds you will experience while there.

A million shades of green, in the Paradise forest.

Paradise is where you can see one of our two extremely elusive native mammals, the incredible Pekapeka, one of the smallest bats in the world. They congregate around the Garden of Eden, and the giant Eucalyptus, circling the tree at dusk, picking off insects, as they perform the type of aerial manoeuvres that make Piwakawaka envious.

Pekapeka are the ultimate aerialists, and the Gs they pull in their turns must be extreme indeed. Each and every time they flap their wings against the darkening sky, they leave a tiny Batman logo burned into your retina.

Paradise Found! Basket one, adjacent the path to the Garden of Eden.

The Jungle Of Fame party on Saturday night at the Garden of Eden will allow you to become initiated into the JoF, along with your spirit animal - if you have one!

Then there is the Paradise forest itself, which always feels surreal if you have not experienced it before. A thick and soft moss underlay covers the ground, while the sunlight trickles through the canopy to produce a million shades of green. The old-growth trees will leave you speechless as you stare upward from their flared bases.

Fourteen's green: Many knees have trembled here, but not because of the views!

Often you’ll see fallow deer in the predator-low forest, and hear stags roaring in the distance.

And on your way home from the Garden of Eden, you’ll see plenty of glow worms along the side of the track, when you turn off your torch. And you’ll be wanting two torches for Paradise. To be sure, to be sure!

Rest assured, Christchurch golfer Michele S. eventually found her lost disc.

While at Paradise, you can relax fully. There is no TV. No Radio. No Wi-Fi. And no cell phone coverage at most of the venue. You can unplug. Unwind. And unpack.

You’ll make unforgettable memories at Paradise Plates, each and every time. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE, AND TO REGISTER

Kia Tika Te Rere – Enjoy The Flight