Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservation Board district
The Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservation Board's district extends from the bottom of the North Island to the mouth of the Turakina River in the west, and across to the east coast where it extends to Mahia Peninsula. It is the same area as the Department of Conservation's Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservancy but excludes the Chatham Islands.
Significant areas
Tararua, Rimutaka, Aorangi, Kaweka, and Ruahine Forest Parks
Five forest parks in the conservancy have a network of tracks and huts for trampers, hunters and day-users to enjoy.
Kapiti Island Nature Reserve is an important refuge for endangered plant and bird species, including the largest population of little spotted kiwi in the country. Other endangered species have been released there including kokako, stitchbird (hihi), takahe and saddleback (tieke).
Mana Island Scientific Reserve, located 4 km offshore from Titahi Bay, Porirua, is a valuable habitat because it is free of mammalian predators. It is home to a variety of native species, including takahe, Cook Strait giant weta, lizards, North Island robin, brown teal, shore plover, and yellow-crowned kakariki. Returning seabirds to the island is an important part of a restoration plan which includes a massive tree planting programme.
Matiu/Somes Island Scientific and Historic Reserve is located in the middle of Wellington harbour, and is one of the more accessible islands in the conservancy. It's a tranquil retreat for wildlife and visitors alike.
Lake Wairarapa and Lake Onoke comprises the largest wetland complex in the southern North Island.
The National Wildlife Centre in northern Wairarapa plays an important role in the captive breeding of New Zealand's endangered bird species, as well as fulfilling an educational role by giving the public the opportunity to see these birds. Native birds are also being returned to the adjoining Pukaha Mount Bruce forest.
Boundary Stream Mainland Island, in Hawke's Bay, encompasses the 702 ha Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve and 100 ha of private land. It extends from lowland forest at 300 metres above sea level to montane forest. It is home to a number of threatened species including North Island brown kiwi, kākā and kōkako, New Zealand falcon and kererū.
The Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve in Hawke's Bay is managed by the Department of Conservation for the purpose of protecting the gannet nesting sites.The 13 hectare reserve includes the Saddle and Black Reef gannet colonies.
The Kapiti Marine Reserve lies between Paraparaumu and Waikanae beaches and Kapiti Island, and against the north-western shore of Kapiti Island. It covers 2167 hectares of some of the best marine habitats in the Wellington region.
The 854 hectare Taputeranga Marine Reserve, established off Wellington's south coast in 2008, provides easy access to study and interact with marine life and habitats.
Established in August 1997, the 446 hectare Te Angiangi Marine Reserve on the central Hawke's Bay coast offers opportunities for swimming, coastal walking, shore diving, and boating.
The Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve is one of only a few places in the world where a river pass through a dividing range. Tawa and podocarp species dominant the steep bush clad hills while mature nikau groves give it a tropical feel. A popular 10km track through the reserve gets visitors up close to nature with many fine viewpoints out across the region. A long term collaborative project with many community partners is enhancing the biodiversity and recreation opportunities of the area which is just 20 minutes from Palmerston North.
Map of the Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservation Board's district
back to top