Home » New Zealand Wildlife » Wellington » Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve - Forest and Bird

Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve - Forest and Bird

Pauatahanui reserve has varying habitats from tidal mudflats to regenerating scrubland, and is inhabited by many local and migratory birds.

Forest & Bird has restored the area to much of its natural wetland state. Restoration has included creating a series of shallow ponds, tracks, boardwalks and hides for observing birdlife, planting native species, and establishing a plant nursery and visitor centre.

Visitors are welcome to walk through the many tracks that weave throughout this wildlife reserve.

Highlights: Bar-tailed godwits, royal spoonbills, caspian tern, paradise shelduck, pied stilt, kingfisher, white-faced heron, pied stilt, NZ shoveler, pukeko, black shag.

Location: The reserve is accessed from 5 Paekakariki Hill Road, Pauatahanui Village (if coming from Wellington take SH1 north, turn off on to SH58, then left into Paekakariki Hill Rd; coming from the Hutt Valley turn off SH2 at Haywards Hill on to SH 58, and turn right into Paekakariki Hill Rd).

Facilities: Four flat, easy walking tracks that vary in length from 20 - 40 minutes that lead to the bird hides. Picnic table, electric barbeque, plant nursery and visitor's centre.

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.