Kahikatea Walk

Description

Follow the boardwalk through a recovering wetland and remnant of the flooded forest at Carter Reserve in the Wairarapa, returning via a loop track through the drier forest section.

Getting there

From Carterton follow Park Road to the end, turn left into Carters Line and right into Gladstone Road to Carter Scenic Reserve. The reserve is signposted approximately 3 km along Gladstone Road. The car park is about 500 metres along the driveway.

Nature and conservation

The easy stroll across the boardwalk brings you into contact with some uncommon and interesting native flora, including swamp Maire and small-leafed Hoheria. Brown mudfish and banded kokopu may be hiding beneath the vegetation, and you might even be treated to the unusual spectacle of a duck (grey teal) in a tree.

Dominating the forest, Kahikatea trees draw their nutrients from the soil through a root system that extends snake-like over the surface of the swamp.

Know before you go

• Do not take wheeled vehicles, including mountain bikes, beyond the car park.
• Remove your litter when you leave. Recycle aluminium, glass, paper and plastic.
• Fires not permitted at any time.
• Hunting is not permitted. Possum trapping/poisoning is by permit only.

Source: Department of Conservation