Te Wai Korari Wetland – New Challenges
- eric5759
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
History
The Te Wai Korari wetland area is located on the eastern edge of Riverton township adjacent to the Jacobs River Estuary. In 1998 the area was purchased by the Riverton Estuary Care Society. In September 2024 the Trust became aware that the Riverton Estuary Care Society were in the process of winding up and as part of this process, distribute assets to a similarly minded organisation. The Trust offered to take over ownership and the legal process transferring ownership was completed in June 2025.
The Riverton Estuary Care Society carried out work in the earlier years of ownership including the establishment of tracks and bridges. However, after many years of inactivity, these have become overgrown and a range of pest weed species have become widespread.
The land has an area of 4.18 Hectares. A further 2 Hectares of road reserve within the area bring the total effective area to 6.2 Hectares.
Te Wai Korari is one of the few remaining areas of wetland in the Riverton area. Located adjacent to the Jacobs River Estuary, a number of bird species can be found within the wetland and along the shore. Areas of tidal ponds within the wetland may be breeding habitats for whitebait.
About 1/3 of the area is salt marsh, dominated by native oioi rushes. A further 1/3 is flaxland dominated by harakeke (flax) and the remainder a terrace above the wetland.
Since January 2025 volunteers have worked to open up 800 metres of track, install traps for rats and stoats and make a start on dealing with invasive weeds.
With the tracks re-established, visitors can now access the area from SH99. Go through the gate and follow the signs. When the tide is low enough it is possible to do a 1.5km loop walk. Keep an eye out for a variety of native birds including tui, bell bird, fantail and fernbird (mātātā). Water birds can be viewed from the shore of the estuary.
Anyone wanting to be involved in this exciting project is welcome to contact us.
