Ōtipua Wetlands used to be a huge lagoon separated from the coast by a gravel spit. It is a place rich with fish and bird life. A food basket for takata whenua, especially tuna (eel. harakeke, pingao, raupo for weaving and mokihi. The early settlers of the area lived on kokopu. The saltwater catchment goes right up to the to top of Mt Horrible, Claremont, Rosebrook and Fairview. A huge effort has gone into the wetlands to restore them. All vegetation sourced locally with native species to match the three underlying eco systems. Wetland, shrub land and forested areas.
When you visit the Wetlands see if you can spot:
A range of habitats for birds, fish and lizards, mud flats for wading birds, islands as retreats for roosting and nesting birds.
Can find you some of the indigenous ecosystem plants? harakeke, kahikatea, karamu, kohuhu, kowhai, mahoe, marsh ribbonwood, mati, mikimiki, ngaio, toe toe, ti kouka (cabbage tree) and totara.
Remember this is a sanctuary for wildlife, so please be mindful of the animals and plants. This is a dog free area.
A community project to re-create a wetland which will benefit wildlife, the environment and people for the future. It will provide the opportunity to enjoy wildness, wetlands and an indication of the huge diversity of flora and fauna at the edge of the city. See plans for the Otipua Wetlands that were drafted in 1997 here
Enjoy the Coastal Track and check out the Wetlands on the way!
Start at the bridge over Saltwater Creek on King Street/Main South Road. Alternatively, park in Rothwell Street by the Timaru rowing club and start from there. Follow the track along the left side of Salt Water Creek to the wooden bridge.
Cross over the bridge and follow the track to the right. Pass the railway bridge where the lagoon drains into the sea, enter the wetlands and follow the track around the lake.
The track is well formed and graveled with a few gentle rises. It follows the south side of the lake. A small wooden bridge crosses a creek and the track continues across swampland back to the south side of the river.
Follow the track towards the road and cross over the bridge on the Main South Road to get back to your starting point.
