Note earlier than usual dates: 28 and 29 March

We will spend two days exploring some interesting but little-visited sites in the Wairarapa, overnighting in Carterton.

On Saturday we will explore Allen’s Bush, near Carterton, and possibly the adjoining Lowe’s Bush, if time permits. The swamp forest remnant comprising these two reserves has been described as “…the largest and most intact area of kahikatea swamp forest distinctive for its size, maturity, ecological diversity and condition within Wellington Conservancy, if not the entire North Island…” and “…the best representative of the once extensive podocarp swamp forest of the Wairarapa Plains…”. (Beadel et al. 2020). Species of conservation interest in the remnant include Mazus novaezeelandiae subsp. novaezeelandiae, Juncus distegus and Syzygium maire.

On the Sunday we will visit Rewa Bush Conservation Area, a 1200ha area of indigenous forest east of Masterton containing significant amounts of old growth podocarp forest, as well as beech forest.

Beadel S, Perfect A, Rebergen A, Sawyer J. 2000. Wairarapa Plains Ecological District. Survey report for the Protected Natural Areas Programme. Department of Conservation, Wellington.

Good footwear required. Maximum attendees 12. Please let Lara know if you intend to join us.

Meet: 10am on the verge at 304 Hughes Line, Carterton.

Accommodation: Carterton Holiday Park which has a range of accommodation options.

Co-leaders:

Lara Shepherd, 027 363 5854, lara.shepherd@tepapa.govt.nz

Pat MacLean, phone 027 4066 767.