Features
DOC manages a picturesque picnic area in Mt Grey/Maukatere Forest at the Grey River. Here you will find picnic tables and toilets.
Flower of clematis paniculata
History
Mt Grey is named after Sir George Grey, Governor and Premier of New Zealand between 1845 and 1879.
Māori named the mountain 'Maukatere' (floating mountain) because the spirits of the dead were believed to leave from the summit on the long journey to Cape Reinga.
Vegetation
Tracks provide visitors with a range of walks through remnant native tawai/beech and podocarp forest.
A prominent feature of the Mt Grey/Maukatere area is the native clematis vines with their eye-catching treetop display of white flowers during spring.
Birdlife
There is a variety of birdlife to be seen and heard in this forest area. Native species include pīwakawaka/fantail, korimako/bellbird, silvereye, miromiro/tomtit, riroriro/greywarbler, brown creeper, kererū/wood pigeon and tititipounamu/rifleman. Introduced species present include chaffinch, red poll, blackbird and song thrush.
Safety
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies
Contacts
Kaiapoi Visitor Information Centre
(managed by the Waimakairi District Council)
Phone: +64 3 327 3134
Fax: +64 3 327 3135