Opening weekend for Totara Reserve

Labour Weekend is opening weekend for one of the Region’s most popular camp sites and Horizons Regional Council is encouraging people to get out and enjoy all Totara Reserve has to offer.

Horizons biosecurity and habitat protection manager Bill Martyn says electric barbeques installed at the main camp site have proven a hit, with more to be installed at the northern camping grounds by Christmas.

“Totara Reserve is one of the best and most accessible examples of the ancient lowland forest that once covered much of our Region and it’s a brilliant resource for our community to enjoy.

“The addition of electric barbeques and refreshed signage by Christmas aim to make the Reserve even more user-friendly for campers and picnickers, with further enhancements planned over the coming year,”Mr Martyn says.

The Reserve is also home to a variety of birdlife, with Mr Martyn crediting increased sightings to bolstered pest control efforts and encouraging people to keep an eye out as they wander through the bush.

“The Reserve is a haven for kereru and tui. We’ve also recently discovered whitehead and tomtit,” he says.

“The Fern Walk, which takes 3-4 hours, leads you through the most intact part of the Reserve, while the shorter Pettifar and Gilchrist Loop tracks lead you down to the Pohangina River and make use of the Old Coach Road.

“We also have a network of nature trails and you’re bound to see some birdlife as you make your way through these.”

While it’s likely too chilly for swimming just yet, visitors to the Reserve are reminded to take care if they do swim in the river.

“It’s recommended people access the river from the main camping site and remain mindful of risks posed by swimming in a natural environment.

“Keep an eye out for sunken logs, rocks and river bank trees that could present a hazard and make sure you swim well away from cliffs,” Mr Martyn says.

Powered and non-powered camping sites are available from Labour Weekend through until Easter Weekend next year.

Bookings are necessary for powered sites and can be made by contacting Kelly on 06 3294 737. Unpowered sites operate on a first in first served basis.

More information about the Reserve, its facilities and rates for camping is available via the Horizons Regional Council website www.horizons.govt.nz

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