Guided Wetland Walk

*** SUBJECT TO COVID LEVEL CHANGES ***
A Sunday morning excursion hosted by local community group Friends of Harbourview to explore Harbourview’s wonderful wetland wilderness.

Fitness: Medium level of personal fitness required to walk through mud and scrub. Gumboots or sturdy footwear and long trousers recommended.

Harbourview’s coastal wetland is a haunting wilderness which lies along the eastern coastline of Te Atatu Peninsula. To celebrate Seaweek 2021, Friends of Harbourview, in association with Motu Manawa – Pollen Island Restoration Group, is leading a guided walk with informed commentary to this starkly beautiful place.

Harbourview’s wetlands are a remarkable environment. The area is vast – much bigger than many people realise. It represents the last major unreclaimed wetlands of the Upper Waitemata Harbour. There are hectares of freshwater swamp and saline marshland featuring multi-coloured swards of the original species of native vegetation.

The signature native bird species we might glimpse are fernbird and banded rail. At low tide, the nearby Whau River estuary transforms itself into a different world with vast exposed sand and mud flats that feed tens of thousands of wading and migratory birds. This allows us to examine the extensive mangrove forest that lies offshore.

There’s lots else of interest about this wild and beautiful place in the heart of Auckland city, guided by Friends of Harbourview, with many opportunities to observe the flora, fauna, geology, and historical sites along the way.

Meeting instructions will be given via replies to RSVPs. Bookings essential as places are limited.

Gold coin donations appreciated to help us continue to promote environmentally-themed community events.

Please contact harbourviewpark@gmail.com to register your attendance.