Life in Tūhaitara Coastal Park
Tūhaitara Coastal Park features a diversity of ecosystems, encompassing fore and back dunes, exotic pine plantations, native coastal stands, and a coastal freshwater network comprising wetlands and Tūtapatu lagoon, which links to the Waimakariri and Ashley Rakahuri braided rivers via streams.
The Trust has a 200-year plan to rehabilitate and restore the lands to an indigenous coastal ecosystem similar to what existed historically, to help support New Zealand's diverse and unique range of native flora and fauna species, while also providing sustainable mahinga kai.
Pīwakawaka
Rhipidura fuliginosa
A friendly messenger or companion during your time in the park.
Native birds help assist restoration efforts through seed dispersal of native flora.
Makokōrori
Nyctemera annulata
The caterpillar that freezes itself to surive New Zealand's colder weather.
Native moths help our native plants reproduce by moving pollen between plants.
Kekeno
Arctocephalus forsteri
They had a near miss with extinction and often celebrate life by soaking in the sun.
Native seals help with nutrient cycling and water mixing in our oceans, contributing towards healthy and balanced oceans.
Tuarahonu
Dolomedes minor
Their greatest party trick is definitely their ability to walk on water. You can spot their nests on the tips of shrubs along our trails.
Native spiders help keep ecosystems healthy and stable by regulating prey populations.
