Kaituna Wetland Loop Track
Alert/Important notice
Track incomplete
From September 2009 the long loop walk cannot be completed due to changes in the stop banks for a new kayak trail. Part of the long loop can be walked as a return trip, or a short loop walk with information panels can be completed instead.
Walking track
Time:
2hr
Distance:
6.8km
Getting there
The Kaituna Wetland Loop Track is located within the Lower Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve, northeast of Te Puke in the Western Bay of Plenty.
About the area
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.
Kaituna wetland
Several walking tracks and a wonderful viewing hide have been built so that you get up close and personal with the wetland. That's something that is quite hard to achieve given the damp nature of wetlands and the often impenetrable vegetation. Information signs are also in place to explain some of Kaituna's special places and faces.
Description
The walk starts at the carpark off Pah Road just outside Te Puke. It meanders through the wetland for just over 6 kilometres and returns to the car park. Along the walk you can see interpretation panels which have interesting facts and information about the Lower Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve.
Activities
Bird watching
Flora and fauna
Hunting
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).
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required