Wairau Lagoons Walkway
Track category
Walking track
Time:
3 hr
Description
Saltmarsh, Wairau Lagoon and
Wither Hills in the background
Wairau Lagoons Walkway (3 hr loop)
This walk gives an insight into the lagoons and the habitat they provide. The walk is virtually flat. It makes a loop from the carpark along the shoreline of the upper lagoon and past Budges and Moerepo Islands to the lagoons' main channel where the rusting hulk of the Waverley sits in the mud.
The Waverley was towed from Wellington by the SS Wairau to the mouth of the Wairua River where she was to be sunk to form a breakwater. Before beings cuttled, she was swept up the channel in a flood to where she now lies, in the Wairau Lagoons.
Return either the same way or, more directly, across the saltmarsh area, with its salt resistant plants. Alternatively, it is possible to continue beyond the Waverley for a view of the river.
back to top
Getting there
The main access point is from the end of Hardings Road, which leaves State Highway 1, 5 km south of Blenheim. There is a carpark, and information.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Bird watching
There are plenty of birds to see here and a bird book and pair of binoculars would be a useful addition to your equipment.
Hunting waterfowl
To hunt waterfowl you require a
If you plan to take a hunting dog, a separate dog permit is required from the South Marlborough Area Office.
View the latest Pesticides Summary for Nelson/Marlborough
More information on hunting in Nelson/Marlborough
For further hunting information in this area contact DOC South Marlborough Area Office.
Places to stay
There are a variety of accommodation options in Blenheim.
About the area
Wairau Lagoons
The Wairau lagoons have formed over the last 6,500 years behind a 8 kilometre-long boulder bank created from gravel and stones washed up the coast by sea currents. Water from the surrounding hills gathers behind the boulder bank and combines with the tide flushing in and out each day. Specialised plants and animals have colonised habitats between the high and low water marks, some of which are more 'productive' than the best pasture.
This productivity drew Maori to the lagoons to find food and it is thought that some of the channels have been made or extended to help trap moulting birds or eels. Evidence from the boulder bank confirms some very early camps were made there and where the now-extinct moa were hunted and eaten.
Plan and prepare
Please remember
- There is no fresh water here so carry some with you on the hot, dry days that characterise Marlborough's summer.
- There is also a lack of shade trees, which mean the lagoons walk is very exposed to sun, driving wind and rain.
- Marlborough has a dry climate and fire is a significant hazard to human safety, natural areas and agriculture. Open fires are not permitted at any of the East Coast reserves and only portable stoves should be used for cooking.
- Please take your rubbish away with you - no facilities are provided.
- Dogs are not allowed.
back to top
Guides and commercial tourism providers