STATE HIGHWAY 1 OR OFF SCARBOUROUGH RD
AN IMPORTANT HABITAT. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT AREA FOR MĀORI WHO USED TO GATHER THEIR KAI (FOOD) FROM THE AREA.
We like to take a walk to the ocean through the wetlands, takes about 20mins
Did you know? A healthy wetland is like a sponge and helps manage flooding and protects the coastline. Māori gathered kai (food) from the area. A huge effort was put in by local volunteers to restore 19 hectares of the wetland which was gifted back to the Timaru District Council in 2016.
Can you find? A basalt rock wall formed from the lava flow of Mt Horrible. Close by is a sign about some of the wildlife in the area. Royal spoonbills, stilts, swans, scaup, mallard and paradise ducks, white herons, pukekos, cormorants and gulls.
WuHoo Challenge: Take a selfie with a frog and tag with #WuHooTimaru (At the Scarborough Rd entrance)
Ōtipua Wetland is on State Highway One. Enter from the south side of the road bridge on King Street. Or drive to the end of Scarborough Rd. Or you can take the Coastal Track through the cemetary, along the coast. If you contiunue on south you will go past Scarbourough Rd, the Jacks Point Lighthouse on to Elis Rd. Or you can walk through the wetland, and follow the creek to Centennial Park.
There is a picnic table on the highest part of the track with a great view on the south side of the creek. Its an easy walk with only slight uphill parts. Great for young children and push chairs.