Ōruapaeroa-Travis Wetland is the last large freshwater wetland in Christchurch and a critical nesting ground and habitat for native wetland plants and birds.
Bird lovers rejoice. Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park covers 116 hectares of former farmland and drained natural wetlands. Now restored to its former glory the Travis Wetland has a great walking track with wide gravel pathways and boardwalks. The viewing areas at the Bird Hide and Stout Tower offer opportunities to see over 55 bird species and plant communities.
Travis Wetland Walk
- Length 3.4 km
Bikes, scooters (electric and manual) and skateboards are prohibited from Travis Wetland so as not to scare wildlife.
A circuit track with entrances off Beach Road, Mairehua Road and Travis Country Road. The best place to start is off Beach Road because of the dedicated carpark.
Route warning: During winter tracks can be wet and slippery so please proceed with caution.
The Travis Wetlands are part of a conservation story occurring throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Learn more about conservation in New Zealand.
- Responsible travel: sustainable tourism in New Zealand
- Wildlife, conservation, responsible holidays in Auckland, Hauraki Gulf
- Top 15 sustainable travel experiences in New Zealand
- NZ wetlands South Island best places to visit, things to do
Bird enthusiasts will hear native birdsong heralding spring activity. The wetlands are a five minute drive from New Brighton. The large freshwater wetland is home to many native wetland plants and bird species and a hub of interesting ecological research. Travis Wetlands is home to around half of Christchurch’s total (native bird) pukeko population, keep an eye out for cheeky pukekos roadside during your visit.
No dogs allowed.
Access
Travis Wetland is located at 280 Beach Rd, Burwood.
The main car park and access point for Travis Wetland is at the end of Beach Road, where it intersects with Mairehau and Frosts Road. There are also multiple pedestrian access ways off Mairehau Road and from Clarevale Reserve.
Opening hours
- Gate open 8am to 8pm year-round.
- Ring Christchurch City Council on 0800 800 169 or 941 8999 to release locked in vehicles at owner’s expense.
Dogs
To protect locally rare birdlife, dogs are prohibited from being anywhere in Travis Wetland.
Bikes, scooter and skateboards
Bikes, scooters (electric or manual) and skateboards are prohibited from Travis Wetland.
Facilities
There is an information kiosk showcasing the story of Travis Wetland. The nearby education centre provides a laboratory, educational facility and meeting space for groups.
Travis Wetland offers easy walkways that are wheelchair and pushchair accessible in dry weather conditions.
There are public toilets near the main car park.
You could walk between the two destinations New Brighton Estuary Edge boardwalk to the Travis Wetlands however the distance is 8 km.
For outdoors enthusiasts visiting Christchurch key destinations to pop onto the bucket list where birdsong and native forest walks flourish:
Travel pack information – Travis Wetlands, Christchurch
Source Travis Wetland holds the second largest concentration of birds in Christchurch, after the Estuary.
Approximately half the total Christchurch pukeko population is supported on these wetlands with more than 700 pukeko wintering over here. The pukeko is one of 55 species of bird recorded at the wetlands, with 31 of those being native. Pukeko numbers are increasing here, while elsewhere they are on the decline. Destruction of habitat and predators being two of the main reasons.
Public access is via a system of walkways, allowing all capabilities to enjoy this wetland habitat from both the tracks and from viewing platforms.
The Anne Flanagan Walkway was named after Burwood/Pegasus Board member (1989 – 1994) Anne Flanagan, for her tireless efforts that helped secure Travis Wetland Nature Park for the citizens of Christchurch.
Travis Wetland is a resource beyond measure. It is a conservational, scientific, educational, recreational, and tourism resource that will provide interest and enjoyment for generations to come.
Source https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/travis-wetland/
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