Kayak trail launched for World Wetlands Day

Families from across the Bay are invited to join a family fun day at the Kaituna wetland reserve on Sunday February 14th featuring kayaking, a nature walk, treasure trail and more. The event is part of World Wetlands Day celebrations and is being run jointly by Fish and Game, Environment Bay of Plenty and Department of Conservation (DOC). A bus service is available from Rotorua and Whakatane for those who register.

“We are lucky to have this remaining wetland here in the Bay of Plenty”, said Community Relations Ranger Pete Huggins. “The foresight of the Tauranga Acclimatization Society last century saved the place from conversion to pasture. This is a little bit of the Bay’s former wetland habitat left for us to learn from and enjoy. Joint agency efforts to improve water levels in the wetland have resulted in DOC putting in this kayak trail, which is to be opened on the 14th. There is huge biodiversity, conservation and cultural value in having an intact wetland ecosystem. Value to the community also exists in the game bird hunting that happens in the wetland”.

DOC is encouraging local families to have a go at kayaking in the reserve, and have enlisted local operators Waimarino to make sure that kayaks are available to use on the day. People with their own kayaks and lifejackets are also very welcome. Attendees should bring a picnic, but a sausage sizzle will happen at lunchtime Bus services from Rotorua and Whakatane leave around 9.30am and people can register for them by contacting Pete on 07 571 2723 or email phuggins@doc.govt.nz.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated all over the planet, and this year’s theme encourages people to see wetland restoration as part of the solution to climate change, due to the large biodiversity potential and the water retention and purification services that wetlands provide.

The Kaituna wetland is kept wet through a managed floodgate which connects it to the Kaituna River. It is open to the public and can be enjoyed at any time of the year, although users are recommended to avoid the reserve during game bird hunting in May and June. It is a habitat for the rare Australasian bittern, as well as shy wetland birds such as the fernbird and marsh crake.
ENDS


Love your wetland

14th of February 2010

Discover the new kayak trail and have a go at kayaking yourself at the Kaituna wetland, near Te Puke, on Valentine's Day 2010. Love your wetland is all about appreciating the remaining wetlands in the Bay of Plenty, and discovering this exciting new kayaking opportunity.

10.30am Free kayaking

11.30am Guided nature walk

. . and don’t miss the Great Drain Game, sausage

sizzle, and Treasure Trail for kids!

2.00pm Finish

Kaituna wetland, Pah Road, Te Puke.

Bring a picnic, sunscreen and a hat. Bring kayaks and lifejackets if you have them (other kayaks and lifejackets will be available for the public to use on the day), plus a camera and a drink.

Free of charge