Land & freshwater - all regions
Arawai Kākāriki is a programme to enhance the ecological restoration of three of New Zealand's foremost wetland/freshwater sites.
In Canterbury, braided rivers with their wide shingle beds, numerous snaking water channels and highly variable flows, provide habitat for several of New Zealand's endangered wildlife species.
Find out about wetlands in Canterbury, including braided rivers.
Find out about community involvement at Ō Tū Wharekai.
Ranger Wendy Sullivan shares her love for crested grebes and explains how the Department is collaborating to save these remarkable birds.
Find out how DOC is working to stop the decline of Ō Tū Wharekai wetlands.
Ranger Rosemary Clucas finds some starry native fish and talks about where they like to hang out.
Find out how we brought Ō Tū Wharekai wetlands into schools across the country through our LEARNZ project.
An important area for Māori and home to a diverse range of animals, plants and habitats, find out more about what makes Ō Tū Wharekai so special.
Ō Tū Wharekai is one of the best examples of an inter-montane wetland system remaining in New Zealand, and is nationally important for wildlife.
View a selection of images from around the Ō Tū Wharekai region including entries to a photo competition held in 2010.
Operation Ark is a variation on the mainland island concept, using intensive pest control at specific sites in order to protect vulnerable populations of endangered species.
Otipua Wetland can be seen beside State Highway One just south of Timaru. It surrounds Saltwater Creek and was once a 60-70 hectare historic entrapped lagoon.
Ōtukaikino is a small wetland of 13 hectares that is located at the end of the northern motorway on the outskirts of Christchurch.
A recreation plan has been written to consolidate the planning directions for recreational activities and facilities in Ō Tū Wharekai (the Ashburton Lakes and upper Rangitata River.)
The landscape, native species, ecosystems, recreation opportunities and historic and cultural heritage of New Zealand's high country has significant intrinsic value.
Located in the Canterbury region, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is one of New Zealand's most important wetland systems.
Ranger George Iles explains the extreme threat that introduced predators pose to our native wetland birds.
Ranger Lorraine Cook braves the rain to get up-close to the miniature, ephemeral world of kettle hole plants.
In the upper Waitaki Basin, Project River Recovery aims to maintain and restore braided river and wetland habitat, helping protect native plants and animals, some of which are only found in, or only breed in, this region.
Ranger Lorraine Cook takes her shoes and socks off to tell us about the benefits of wetland plants.
Life on a braided river Information about river-nesting seabirds.
Publications