Pekapeka Wetlands - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Posted by: waiiti20
S 39° 43.254 E 176° 46.197
60H E 480283 N 5603194
This is regeneration in action. Just 12km south-west of Hastings off SH2, the Pekapeka Wetlands are slowly growing back to their natural state providing a home for all types of wildlife. The area is also of significant historical interest to local Maori with two pa sites within the location of the reserve.
Waymark Code: WMP9E2
Location: New Zealand
Date Posted: 07/24/2015
Views: 11
Pekepeka Wetland is a publicly accessible area along State Highway 2 just south of Hastings.
It covers 98 ha, mostly now owned by Hawke's Bay Regional Council but some portions on private land. It is a remnant of a former extensive wetland system covering the majority of the Pekapeka is one of the few remaining large, inland wetlands in Hawke’s Bay.
Pekapeka is the second highest ranking wetland in the Department of Conservation (Hawke's Bay) Heretaunga Ecological District. A restoration project since the 1990’s (led by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and with community support) aimed to improve the wetland’s capacity to regulate flood waters and increase the natural biodiversity. Some dead willow trunks are evidence of the huge clearance of willows that was needed to reopen the wetland.
A wide range of water fowl can be viewed including the elusive bittern (if you are lucky you may hear it before you see it!).
Visitors can follow the tracks and interpretation signs to learn about the history and ecological value of Pekapeka.
Approximate boardwalk length (feet): 350
What is the boardwalk over?: A regenerating wetland and old dump site
Boardwalk material: Wood
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Visit Instructions:
Please include a picture of the boardwalk. Try to get a shot that hasn't been taken before if possible.