“This cache has been placed by the Department of Conservation as part of Conservation Week (1-8 November) 2015”
Motueka sandspit is part of the Motueka River delta, which consists of the sandspit, the rivermouth, and the 'Kumaras' estuary.
Getting there
Access to the Motueka River delta is at the end of Staples Street, just north of Motueka, or along the foreshore from the old Motueka wharf.
From Staples Street the sandspit separates off from the "mainland" after about 400 metre stroll south down the walkway, and from the old Motueka wharf it's closer to 1400 metres before you get to the spit's base.
A signpost marks the start of the walk.
Nature and conservation
The Motueka River delta is formed of sediments from the Motueka and Riwaka Rivers, swept into continually changing shapes by the sea.
The whole area is ecologically important. It has extensive areas of rushland and saltmarsh where whitebait spawn; it is rich in shellfish and therefore a major feeding ground for wading birds, up to 10,000 of which feed or roost on the sandspit in summer.
This site is considered internationally important because of the numbers of bar-tailed godwit, variable oystercatcher, and South Island pied oystercatcher that use the site. Other birds using the site are banded dotterel, ruddy turnstone, terns and gulls.
- Shorebirds, especially godwits, are vulnerable to disturbance. Keep your distance.
- Dog walkers must keep to the designated areas. Dogs are not permitted beyond the sign, just short of half way down the spit
The cache is close to the main Motueka Sandspit sign
. Bring a pen or pencil if you want to sign the log book.