Te Papanui Conservation Park
Introduction
Te Papanui is a remote area of tussock grassland. The 21,000 hectare park was opened in March 2003, and was created from existing protected areas, land purchased by the Nature Heritage Fund, and an outcome of the pastoral lease tenure review process.
Te Papanui Conservation Park
Features
Te Papanui Conservation Park is special because it is an area of very high ecological value, protecting a large intact indigenous tussock grassland area. Tussock grasslands are becoming rare on an international level due to grazing and burning for agricultural purposes.
Te Papanui provides a home for a huge variety of native plants and animals, including 547 species of native insects, as well as the narrow-leaved snow tussock (Chionochloa rigida) and many rare wetland plants.
The park also fulfils a significant role to the people of Otago region, protecting sixty percent of Dunedin's water catchment area.
Te Papanui also boast outstanding landscape qualities. The area has broad peaty basins on the crests, and parallel streams dissect the slopes in a rhythmical pattern. The broad expanses of tussock grassland are relieved intermittently by bogs and tarns and there is a strong sense of remoteness.
Te Papanui is managed by the department as a remote experience area. It has opportunities for walking, mountain biking, 4-wheel driving, horse trekking, cross country skiing and hunting.
Location
Te Papanui is situated on the Lammerlaw and Lammermoor ranges, west of Dunedin.
Getting there
The main access to Te Papanui Conservation Park is via the Lee Stream Outram Road (State Highway 87), turn left at Clarke's Junction onto Old Dunstan Road. The entrance to the park is approximately 5km past Rocklands Station. During the winter months (June to end of September),the gate into the park is locked.
Old Dunstan Road is closed from Sutton Stream to the Styx during the winter months (June to end of September).
Visitors driving within the park must have a 4WD vehicle, and must stay on the formed track.
Places to stay
There is no hut accommodation available in Te Papanui Conservation Park.
Weather
Te Papanui is subject to some very rapid changes in weather. Be prepared for adverse conditions, and ensure that warm clothes are carried.
Plan and prepare
Because Te Papanui Conservation Park is managed by the Department of Conservation as a remote recreational experience, visitors should take precautions when visiting this area.
Visitors who wish to drive within the park must travel on the formed track in a 4WD vehicle. Vehicles must carry a winch or some form of extraction device, in case of boggy conditions.
The formed 4WD track in Te Papanui is in good condition from the main gate to the park's highest point, Ailsa Craig. Check at the local DOC office for conditions of the rest of the track if you would like to travel further.
Drinking from the creeks in Te Papanui is not recommended, as giardia is present in the area. We recommend that visitors bring their own water.
Because of its extensive tussock grassland, Te Papanui is vulnerable to fires. Absolutely no fires are allowed in the park.
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