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Ark in the Park is not fenced from the surrounding forest, but continuous predator control within its boundaries creates a sanctuary. Predator control is allowing the existing flora and fauna to recover: trees and plants, invertebrates, native frogs, and birds.
Additionally a programme of species restoration has started, and whitehead, North Island robin, and stitchbird (hihi) have all been reintroduced.
There are some 1100 predator controlled hectares where invasive mammalian predators are kept to very low levels. There is an extensive grid of bait stations, in which a toxic bait is placed to control rats, mice, and possums, as well as traps to kill mustelids (stoats, weasels, ferrets).
Highlights: Whitehead, North Island robin, and stitchbird (hihi)
Location: Ark in the Park is situated 5 minutes drive from Swanson, which is just 25 minutes from the centre of Auckland.
Drive through Swanson and continue on to the start of the Scenic Drive. Take the Te Henga Road turn-off (clearly marked), then take Falls Road, the first road on the left. Drive along Falls Road past the Waitakere Golf Club to the large car park, from where visitors can take the lovely and well maintained Auckland City Walk.
Walks: There is a loop track which starts at the car park, which generally takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Ark in the Park
Ark in the Park (AIP) is one of New Zealand's key eco-restoration projects. Located in the Cascades Kauri Park in the northern Waitakere Ranges, just to the west of Auckland.Ark in the Park is not fenced from the surrounding forest, but continuous predator control within its boundaries creates a sanctuary. Predator control is allowing the existing flora and fauna to recover: trees and plants, invertebrates, native frogs, and birds.
Additionally a programme of species restoration has started, and whitehead, North Island robin, and stitchbird (hihi) have all been reintroduced.
There are some 1100 predator controlled hectares where invasive mammalian predators are kept to very low levels. There is an extensive grid of bait stations, in which a toxic bait is placed to control rats, mice, and possums, as well as traps to kill mustelids (stoats, weasels, ferrets).
Highlights: Whitehead, North Island robin, and stitchbird (hihi)
Location: Ark in the Park is situated 5 minutes drive from Swanson, which is just 25 minutes from the centre of Auckland.
Drive through Swanson and continue on to the start of the Scenic Drive. Take the Te Henga Road turn-off (clearly marked), then take Falls Road, the first road on the left. Drive along Falls Road past the Waitakere Golf Club to the large car park, from where visitors can take the lovely and well maintained Auckland City Walk.
Walks: There is a loop track which starts at the car park, which generally takes around 45 minutes to complete.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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