West Coast's Mushroom Wonderland Springs to Life

Cliff Goodwin from Glacier Valley Eco Tours say there is ideal conditions for fungi growth on the West Coast: “Fungi require moisture to grow a fruiting-body. The West Coast is well known for its rain. And during the mild seasons, autumn and spring, fungi will develop fruiting-bodies above ground and produce spores for reproduction, so the West Coast has perfect conditions for fungi hunting/photography.”

Some of the most popular mushrooms found on the West Coast, according to Cliff, include the sky blue entoloma hochstetteri (werewere-kōkako), and the more elusive red/orange waxgills, cordyceps sinclairii, stinkhorn, and coral fungi. “Others that we sometimes see are icing sugar fungus, brackets, earth tongue, bird’s nest, wine glass, bolete, ear fungus, witch's butter, and basket fungus,” Cliff adds.

Cliff, who takes nature tours at Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, says visitors could miss many of these without a guide as they are generally small and hidden in shady places, sometimes off the public track.

Legend says that the endangered kōkako bird acquired its distinctive blue wattle from rubbing against the blue mushroom. The werewere-kōkako also holds the distinction of being the only mushroom in the world to grace a banknote, as it is featured on New Zealand's $50 bill, a testament to its cultural and historical importance.

Not only are mushrooms visually stunning, but they also play a vital role in the region's ecosystem. Many of these fungi species have important symbiotic relationships with native plants, providing nutrients and support to help them grow.