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Visiting wetlands in New Zealand
A key objective of the
Trust is to encourage people to safely visit and learn about wetlands.We plan to build a series of wetland trails and a web-based directory of wetlands that people can visit. We have created our first trail and published a book on our internationally significant wetlands, with information on how to visit them.
Wetland Directory
The National Wetland Trust is building an on-line directory of wetlands you can visit in New Zealand. Here we will feature wetlands that have public access and facilities such as boardwalks, interpretation panels, picnic areas, and viewing hides.We will include wetlands that can only be visited on a commercial tour, or that incur an entrance fee.
Three regions have been completed thanks to sponsorship by the Auckland Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and Norah Howell Charitable Trust.
Please contact us if you would like your wetland to be featured or if you would like to sponsor the development of the directory.
Feature Wetland - Nukuhou Saltmarsh
We will feature wetlands you can visit in our newsletters. Here is our Spring 2009 feature wetland.
Nukuhou Saltmarsh (Burke Road, Ohiwa Harbour, Bay of Plenty)
The Nukuhou Saltmarsh covers about 60 hectares where the Nukuhou stream enters the Ohiwa Harbour. In 2003 the Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group was formed and, with the help of the Department of Conservation and Environment Bay of Plenty, began a significant restoration and interpretation project.
Extensive plantings, weed and pest control, an overlook, interpretation panels, pottery bird plaques, a short boardwalk and a contemplation bench have made this a pleasant place to enjoy the wetland and listen quietly for fernbird calls (a high pitched single note). Pest control has boosted fernbird numbers, as well as banded rail, Australasian bittern and waders.
Key features: fernbird, pottery bird plaques
View Nukuhou Saltmarsh in a larger map
Wetland Trails
The National Wetland Trust is developing a series of wetland trails around New Zealand, including walking and driving trails to visit and learn about a range of wetland types.
The first trail has been completed: "Whangamarino
Wetland and Lake Waikare." (451 kb)
The guide describes the history, fauna and flora of one of our Ramsar sites and an associated lake. The 50 km driving trail starts at Lake Kopuera, the site of our planned National Wetland Centre. The route is marked by highway signs developed specifically for the Trust.
Further trails are planned for the Bay of Plenty and Auckland areas, working with the Bay of Plenty Wetland Forum and the Waiheke Island Wetland Initiative.
We are happy to work in partnership with interested groups or agencies. If you wish to develop a wetland trail guide endorsed by the National Wetland Trust please contact us to discuss your ideas.
Read our Guidelines
to developing a Wetland Trail (646 kb).
Wet and Wild Places
"Our Wet & Wild Places" is a beautifully illustrated booklet produced by the Trust that highlights five of New Zealand's six Ramsar sites. The booklet includes information on the special features of each site and how to get there. For a copy send $10 and your details to the National Wetland Trust (postal address below).Exerpts from the book have been used to create our Ramsar site pages.
Last updated 10 November 2009
Address: PO Box 177, Pukekohe 2403, New Zealand; Email: enquiries@wetlandtrust.org.nz
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