Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve
Introduction
Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve includes the wetlands of the Te Whanga Lagoon, Lakes Wharemanu and Kaimoumi and the coastal dunes of Kaiangaroa.
Location
The northern margin of the Te Whanga Lagoon, Chatham Island.
Getting there
A sign and cattle stop indicate each end of the reserve on the north road to Kaiangaroa, 12 km from the Wharekauri turn off. Around 2 km into the reserve, a vehicle track to the north takes you to a stile over the fence from which the beach can be accessed. There are good views of the reserve from the elevated roadside. Around 4 km past the reserve, to the right, is the turnoff right to Hapupu, and another 6 km away is the township of Kaiangaroa.
Features
Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve
In addition to the peat dome and wetland of the Te Whanga Lagoon, the reseve includes Lakes Wharemanu and Kaimoumi and extends over the road to the coastal dunes of Kaiangaroa.
A fire in 1994 burnt much of the bamboo rush, Chatham Island aster, fern, shrubland flax and sedgeland but this is recovering well. Akeake forest remnants occur on the drier peat and dune areas.
Tracks and walks
Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve includes Te Whanga Lagoon, Lakes Wharemanu and Kaimoumi and the beach at Kaiangaroa. A short track to the dunes gives views of the beach and sea.