A trip to a picturesque set of wetlands nestled in the bush of the Kaimai Range, hosted by Anne Mackersey.
The group will meet at Whakamarama Hall at 9:30 (Opposite the school).
To get to the Whakamarama Hall head north from Tauranga on SH2, go through Te Puna and then over the Te Puna Stream Bridge. After the bridge turn left on to Barrett Road. Then left on to Old State Highway and then right on to Whakamarama Road. The Whakamarama Hall is about 4.5 km up Whakamarama Road (Opposite the school).
The first wetland is about 10 minutes from the carpark which is 1km into the Forest Park from the end of the Whakamarama Rd. It has a boardwalk through the middle of it where an old tramway used to pass. Spaghnum moss and Astelia have dominated the area in the past but now a range regenerating podocarps and vegetation is emerging. Fernbird may be present. The second wetland is about one hour walk in. The walk is mostly along old tramways with two easy river crossings. This is more a ‘hanging’ swamp with the Ngamuwahine River flowing on the periphery and below it.

Kerry will be staying at my brothers place in Te Puna on Friday night but is happy to coordinate transport from Hamilton on Saturday morning.

Contact Kerry if you are planning on joining this trip.