Otukaikino
Image: Leeann Ellis | DOC

Kiwi Guardians at Otukaikino

Introduction

Come and explore this beautifully restored wetland that many birds call home. This reserve gives us a small glimpse into what our many wetlands once looked like long ago.

Highlights

  • This amazing wetland used to be known as Wilson’s Swamp, and hosts many important native birds like pūkeko, kuruwhengu (shoveller), tete (grey teal) and the secretive koitareke (marsh crake). Can you spot them?
  • The water is also important for other kinds of natives like plants, short-finned eels (tuna), common bullies and snails (pūpū). What can you spot just below the surface?
  • Look in the foliage and see if you can find what insects might be lunch for the birds and fish!

Getting ready

Download the adventure map (PDF, 2,761K) and check out what you can do.

Know before you go

  • Easy flat walk for young and old, taking 40 minutes to circumnavigate.
  • Some of the track is sealed while the rest is grass and buggies can negotiate the track when the ground is dry. Only suitable for wheelchairs on the sealed parts of the track.
  • Cultural considerations - This is a wai tapu site and so we ask that you please leave your picnic to have on the grass area next to the carpark. The toilets are located here too.
  • No dogs allowed on site.

What to bring

DOC Short Walks gear list

Go and explore

Look out for the Guardian Post when you get there. On it you'll find a special code word - write it down.

Getting there

Ōtukaikino wetland is on the outskirts of Christchurch City, by the northern suburb of Belfast. The entrance is off Main North Road, between Chaneys Corner and the Belfast end of the Northern Motorway.

Claim your reward

Tell us the Ōtukaikino code word to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal for this adventure.

Put the medal on your back pack or pencil case to show everyone the adventure you've had.

Each Kiwi Guardians place has a different medal - see how many you can collect.

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