Pauahatanui Wildlife Reserve
Thought to refer to the shapes of the inlet, Pauatahanui means ‘big side of the paua shell’ and contains one of the most important salt marshes in the North Island. The reserve has a range of vegetation from tidal mudflats to regenerating scrubland, and is inhabited by many local and migratory birds (caspian tern, pukeko, pied stilt, kingfisher, black shag, bar-tailed godwit) and a variety of mud-dwelling species, such as the walnut-sized native mud snail.
Forest & Bird has restored the area, which was formerly farmland and a go-kart track, to much of its natural wetland state. Restoration has included creating a series of shallow ponds, tracks, boardwalks and hides for observing birdlife, planting native species. However, this area of the reserve on the Northern side of Grays Rd tends to be drier than the other side because the road interferes with the tidal flows.
The cache is now a 200ml pill bottle with room for anly small trading items or TBs. Sorry, but Geomutts are not welcome in this reserve, so they will have to sit this one out. Please replace the container carefully so it is out of view.
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