Congratulations on making it along the (sometimes swampy - hope you came in gumboots) Pukerimu Wetlands track, you made it to the Wetlands! Yes, they really do exist!
You will hopefully have seen wonderful mushrooms, trees, and birds on your way. You may also see signs of deer as you walked along the track, when it's a little bit muddy you might be able to see deer prints, and if you see those, then you'll probably be able to see scat on the track too.
The kids and I love to come here and spend the afternoon exploring and playing, following all the little animal tracks that lead this way and that, playing hide & seek, looking for insects and birds. Why not bring a picnic, all the lichens can be quite comfy to sit on!
Now, take some time to observe what wonders grow in the wetlands!
You should have no trouble finding...
Coral lichen (native) (pictured) and Fuzzy reindeer lichen (native)
Alpine tangle fern (native) (pictured)
and Red tussock grass (endemic) (pictured).
What else can you find?
*Following the main track under the powerlines will take you to a tricky stream crossing with an old rusty metal "bridge", this will sink below the water level if you try to cross it. = Not safe / watch your children.*
**We suggest you avoid coming here after dark, because of hunters.**