Features

North Island kokako juvenile feeding
on coprosma berries

The 802 hectares of Boundary Stream Mainland Island:

• encompasses the 802 ha Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve
• is situated on the eastern flanks of the Maungaharuru Range
• extends from lowland forest at 300 metres above sea level to montane forest, 1000 m above sea level  

Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve was established in 1979 and managed by the Department of Lands and Survey until the formation of the Department of Conservation in 1987.

The management of Boundary Stream Mainland Island as a nature restoration project began in 1996. This includes:

• control of introduced mammals to low levels - includes deer, pigs, goats, possums, rats, cats, stoats, ferrets, weasels and hedgehogs;
• control of introduced plants;
• monitoring of forest health;
• re-establishing native plants and animals formerly present;
• scientific research;
• maintaining and upgrading recreational facilities; and
• providing interpretation and publications.

The name Boundary Stream originated from the natural boundary that the stream formed between Te Rangi, Naumai and Rangiora stations.

Boundary Stream Mainland Island is special because it has:

• a diversity of habitats for native wildlife as reflected in the wide range of plants, animals and interesting invertebrates;
• threatened plants such as kaka beak and yellow-flowered mistletoe;
• unusual specimens including neinei at the northern limit of its range, a unique pink-flowered kaka beak and an 800-year-old matai saved from the mill in the 1930s;
• a diverse range of native birds including threatened species such as North Island brown kiwi, kaka, kokako, NZ falcon and kereru and large populations of more common species including tui, bellbird, whitehead and North Island robin;
• panoramic views;
• scenic 58 metres Shine Falls, highest waterfall in Hawke's Bay;
• a diversity of recreation and education opportunities; and
• a record of flora and fauna from the late 1800s.

It is also the largest reserve within Maungaharuru Ecological District.

back to top