01 Kaitorete Spit

Kaitorete Spit with QEII Trust Representative Alice Shanks, Anita Spence from DOC Mahaanui, and Denise Ford, Coordinator of the Waihora Ellesmere Trust.

Alice has a goal to walk the entire Spit and around Te Waihora over 5 years and inspire more people to understand the natural and cultural values of the spit, lakeshore and wetlands, and how to access these areas. This walk begins that process. Alice will help you understand the dryland ecology here, and some of the recent issues with maintaining it. Denise will provide her knowledge on the birds, lizards, insects and plants. The walk will involve some car shuffling and carpooling to avoid having to walk there and back. Be prepared for a fascinating day.
Note that this will be a moderate to hard walk because of the soft ground, distance, and exposure to wind and sun.

Length: Shorter 10km option 4 hours, or longer 16kms option 7-8 hours. These times include carpooling at the start and time for lunch

Walk difficulty: TRAMP

Wear tramping boots or sturdy walking shoes, and gaiters or long socks with trousers tucked in to keep sand out of boots. Bring lunch, snacks, water bottle, sunhat, sunscreen and weatherproof gear.

Please be aware that credit card fees apply to bookings.