Pekapeka wetlands

Pekapeka Wetlands, Hastings, Hawkes Bay

Discover wetlands with rare bittern and other wading birds. The 4.5 km long and 800 m wide wetland covers 98 hectares and is the focus of a joint HBRC-community biodiversity enhancement programme. There are boardways and gravel paths to the central area of the wetlands and walk up to the lookout for a panoramic view of the valley. This is a great area to introduce families to wetlands and their importance in the ecology of New Zealand. Pekapeka is the second highest ranking wetland in the Department of Conservation (Hawke’s Bay) Heretaunga Ecological District. A restoration project since the 1990’s (led by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and with community support) aimed to improve the wetland’s capacity to regulate flood waters and increase the natural biodiversity. Some dead willow trunks are evidence of the huge clearance of willows that was needed to reopen the wetland.

Picnic Areas and Tables
Boardwalks
Hides
Information signs
Special CANTEEN (teen cancer organisation) Reflection Area with table and seating across the boardwalk from the lookout

Note:

No toilets in the park, and no dogs allowed
Please take your rubbish away with you
Lock your vehicle and take valuables with you
Pekapeka is closed to the public in the first weekend of May each year for game bird shooting
There can be an unpleasant smell of hydrogen sulphide from the wetlands in the height of summer – a good sign though, as it means the wetland is at work releasing nutrients as gases

For further information check here Pekapeka Regional Park.

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