Image: J Mackenzie | DOC
A small hill juts out of a dense green jungle of palm like trees.
Nīkau Bush Conservation Area

Located in the Chatham Islands region

Nīkau Bush Conservation Area contains 19 hectares of lowland broadleaved forest. Since it was fenced regeneration has been prolific and the nīkau flowering in December and January is spectacular.

Nīkau Bush Conservation Area is on the north-western shore of Te Whanga Lagoon, Chatham Island.

A sign on the North Road, one and a half kilometres past Pana/Blind Jim's Creek marks the access to the reserve. To reach the entrance, walk uphill for a kilometre following  the fenceline marked with orange triangles to an entrance stile and sign.

Nīkau Bush Conservation Area contains 19 hectares of lowland broadleaved forest on the north-western shore of Te Whanga Lagoon. Such forest was once common on the fertile soils on the Chatham Islands, and this area contains the largest stand of nīkau remaining on the main Chatham Island.

The reserve was purchased by the Crown and fenced in 1981, and since then regeneration has been prolific. The nīkau are spectacular when in flower during December and January.