Papahikahawai Hikoi Traditional Cache

The Cache is available all year around, please stick to the paths so no nests are disturbed.  Approx. 30 minute walk return.

To claim the cache I recommend you walk along the estuary side of the spit on your way there and along the beach on the way back.

Be aware of the scrub roots along the estuary path.  At cache location be mindful of the water and tidal flows, children need to be supervised

Since 1956, almost all the Kaituna River's freshwater has been diverted out to sea at Te Tumu, or locally known as the cut.  This was done to protect the low-lying farmland from flooding and improve drainage.  The resulting loss of freshwater has had an impact on wildlife, kaimoana and water quality.  To resore the estuary, twenty percent of the Kaituna River's flow is going to be redirected back into the estuary to create at least 20 hectares of wetland habitat.

The removal of 2 causeways blocking Papahikahawai Creek in June has allowed the tide to flush clean 13 hectares of estuary which had been stagnant for many years.  This Hikoi takes you along the northern edge of this creek.

The cache is placed at the edge of the Maketu Spit which is one of the few places where the endangered New Zealand Dotterel nest.  Their nesting sites are difficult to see and are easily disturbed by people, dogs, horses, bikes and vechicles.  You can help protect these birds by avaoiding the spit during the breeding season - September to March each year.