Lower Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve
Introduction
Kaituna is a wonderful reminder of how things once were. Cabbage trees and flaxes are flourishing, pukeko prowl through the raupo, numerous ducks, shags and pied stilts forage for food in the waterways.
Location
The Lower Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve is located northeast of Te Puke in the Western Bay of Plenty.
Features
Te Puke High School planting at
Kaituna
Walking tracks
Several walking tracks and a wonderful viewing hide have been built so that you get up close and personal with the wetland.
Hunting opportunities
The wetland has an abundant supply of waterfowl and hunters occupy the area for the hunting season (from the first weekend in May until the end of June).
Restoring the balance
DOC, Fish and Game New Zealand (Eastern Region) and Environment Bay of Plenty Regional Council share management of the reserve assisted by the Te Puke Fish and Game Club and volunteers. Conservation is an ongoing process and a management agreement helps guides the work programme. Projects include:
- Re-creation and maintenance of open water habitats.
- Keeping water channels clear of weed species and blockages to allow free movement of water.
- Controlling water levels.
- Animal pest control.
- Weed control.
- Monitoring of bird and plant species.
- Excluding stock access (except in areas where grazing is used as a method of weed control).
- Development of part of the reserve by local iwi for cultural use.
- Community activities such as planting.
Tracks and walks
Several walking tracks and a wonderful viewing hide have been built so that you get up close and personal with the wetland.
Plan and prepare
- Please stay on the formed tracks.
- No mountain bikes.
- No vehicles in the reserve (registered hunters have limited vehicle access before the hunting season).
- Take any rubbish with you.
- Dogs are not permitted outside of the hunting season. Restrictions apply during the season.
- No fires.
- Don't disturb the wildlife.
- Contact your local DOC office to find out how you can be involved in the management of the reserve.
- Hunters use this reserve during the waterfowl hunting season (usually from the first weekend in May until the end of June). Other recreational users are advised not to use this reserve at this time.