National Wetland Trust Homepage

Wetlands you can visit in the Tasman-Marlborough area

Download a list of wetlands you can visit in the Tasman-Marlborough area (406 kb), and see our top picks below.

Find their location on Google Maps or take our Google Earth tour of wetlands in this region.

Find out more about wetlands in the Tasman-Marlborough.

Know of a New Zealand wetland with public access? Tell us

This page is sponsored by Tasman District Council

Farewell Spit
	Sandspit, fresh and saltwater wetland complex NZ's longest sandspit. Designated both as a nature reserve and Ramsar site, due to its importance as a staging area for migratory shorebirds on the East Asia-Australasia migratory shorebird flyway. A total of 83 species of wetland birds have been recorded. Amongst its notable rare and endangered plant species are Euphorbia glauca (waiu-atua), sand daphne, pingao, sand spike rush. Wallking track (2.5 km) along the ocean beach. Beyond this, access is restricted to authorised tour groups and permit-holders to protect the delicate ecology of the area. Café at main carpark. More information
Mangarakau Swamp
	Pakihi and lowland sedge and swamp forest Framed by striking limestone rock formations to the west, and draining into the Te Tai Tapu marine reserve at Westhaven Inlet to the north, this 400 ha swamp supports 54 bird species including fernbird and bittern, rare brown mudfish and diverse plant life. Lodge, walks, picnic areas, interpretative signage, small information centre. More information
Pupu Springs (Waikoropupu)
	Freshwater springs In the Waikoropupu Valley, water stored in the marble and limestone chambers under the world famous Takaka Hill emerges as springs of crystal clear, cool water. Water clarity has been measured at about 63 meters, a world record for fresh water. These springs are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and are an example of a wetland type that is rare in NZ. The springs support a diverse flora and invertebrate fauna, including nationally unique mosses and liverworts. Boardwalk to the springs and circuit route. Interpretation signs. More information
Photo: Department of Conservation

Google Earth Tour

Click here to take our Google Earth tour of wetlands in this region.

Follow these simple steps. For best results select the Terrain box in the Layers folder on the right hand menu.

Click on the Tasman-Marlborough folder under 'Places' in the legend. You can either view individual sites and associated information by clicking on them, or take a tour using the Play Tour button

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You will need to have access to Google Earth 5 to run this programme. You can download it for free.

Last updated 6 July 2009