Totara Reserve opens for summer

Totara Reserve is opening for summer camping this Labour Weekend with a number of improvements to come.

Horizons biosecurity and habitat protection manager Bill Martyn says that Horizons is always looking to enhance the Reserve for the community.

The signage at the Reserve has been upgraded with further upgrades planned for the future. The signage will make it easier to locate trails, the campgrounds, important places, and other useful signs about camp life.

“The Fern Walk will receive upgrades as part of a wider project to upgrade the walking tracks around the Reserve.

This will include several bridges and boardwalk upgrades and signage throughout the track.”

“A new playground for Camp Kereru has just received $20,000 worth of funding from the Eastern and Central Community Trust, which will allow work to get underway soon. A number of contractors and suppliers are interested in the project,” Mr Martyn says.

Camp Kahikatea (the older, smaller campground) now has new electric barbeques installed, similar to the barbeques at Camp Kereru (across the road).

Pest control efforts by Horizons have also boosted the birdlife in the Reserve so keep your eyes peeled for the flutter of wings Martyn says.

“The reserve is home to many native bird species including: tui, fantail, wax eye, morepork, bellbird, kingfisher, kereru, tomtit and whitehead,” he says.

“The Reserve has grown in popularity in recent years and camping spots at the Reserve are hot property, so we encourage anyone wanting to stay at the Reserve to get in early.”

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

There are two camping grounds in Totara Reserve, one large site (Kereru) that is adjacent to Camp Rangi Woods and one smaller site (Kahikatea) across the road.

Bookings are necessary for powered sites and can be made by contacting the caretaker, 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

Horizons asks that any swimmers be mindful of the risks involved with swimming in the Region’s river such as sunken logs, river bank trees and rocks. We also ask that swimmers are also advised to make sure they swim well away from cliffs, and access the river from the larger Kereru campsite.

ENDS

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