Nature and conservation
Wildlife
River valleys and wetlands in the park are outstanding habitat for many species including the endangered black stilt/kakī, black-fronted tern/tarapirohe, and wrybill/ngutu-pare. The beech/tawhai forests are home to the main forest birds, including the threatened kākāriki/yellow-crowned parakeet, kea and NZ falcon/kārearea.
Native fish recorded in the upper Ahuriri River, include alpine galaxias (Galaxias paucipondylus), koaro (Galaxias brevipinnis), common river galaxias (Galaxias vulgaris), and upland bully (Gobiomorphus breviceps).
Wetlands
The Ahuriri Valley has some diverse wetlands, with large shallow pools, oxbow ponds and river backwaters to fertile swamps and infertile bogs. Oxbow ponds were formed from horseshoe bends left behind when the Ahuriri River changed course.
The variety and number of habitats make the Ahuriri Valley wetlands extremely valuable to wildlife for feeding and reeding - both native fish and birds.
The easiest wetland to visit is Ben Avon, which is right beside Birchwood Road. You can get a good overview of the wetland and wildlife just from your car. A further 4 km up the road are information panels and seating with a stunning vie wo fthe river valley and mountains beyond.
Getting there
Access to the park is via Birchwood Road which leaves SH 8 about 17 km west of Omarama township, Otago. Birchwood Road runs for 21 km up to the park boundary, after which it is 4WD only for a further 10 km to the road end.
Know before you go
Upper Ahuriri Valley 4WD road
This road is subject to frequent washouts and slips during and after periods of heavy rainfall. Heavy snowfall in winter and freeze/thaw cycles in the late winter/early spring can make the road impassable. The road could be closed to vehicle use at these times.
Communications
Cell phone coverage cannot be relied on in this region. The use of satellite phones, mountain radios or personal locator beacons can all provide increased personal safety. An emergency phone is signposted off Birchwood Road near Birchwood homestead.
Fire
Fire restrictions apply to all DOC land. Check with the Twizel Information Centre or DOC for the current fire status.
River crossings
Be aware of weather conditions in catchment headwaters. Do not attempt to cross swollen rivers or streams.
Windfall
Because of the danger of falling branches, do not camp under beech trees.
Avalanche
Avalanche run-out zones can impact on the valley floor from May to November. We recommend carrying transceivers 457 khz, probes and shovels in avalanche terrain.
River care code
- River birds nest on the ground. Their eggs and chicks are almost impossible to spot from a vehicle. Please refrain from driving in riverbeds from August to December.
- Birds swooping, circling or calling loudly probably have nests nearby. Move away so they can return to them, or their eggs and chicks could die.
- A dog running loose can wreak havoc. Leave your dog at home or keep it under strict control.
- Jet boats disturb birds and can wash away nests near the water’s edge. The speed limit for boats is 5 knots within 200 m of the bank.