Te Urewera Mainland Island
The cute fantail (piwakawaka) is included in Maori mythology not for its brave deeds, but for laughing at the wrong moment. The demigod Maui was attempting to kill Hine-nui-te-po, the goddess of deat,h as she lay sleeping when piwakawaka let out a loud giggle. The goddess woke up and promptly slayed Maui. Photographer: Small World Productions.
Walking tracks: There is a variety of walking tracks here, anything from 1 hour to a full on 5 day tramp.
Wildlife Highlights: Kokako, tui, bellbird, kereru and kaka, fantail, robin, and tomtit can all be seen or heard (Particularly good dawn chorus). Kiwi and morepork can both be heard at night, though they are rarely seen.
Keep an eye out for long tailed bats in summer.
Location: Turn off from State Highway 2 onto the Matahi Valley Road for about 30 kilometres up the valley to the end of the road. Most of the road is unsealed as well as narrow and windy, so go carefully.
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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