Travis Wetland is the last large freshwater wetland in Christchurch – an important habitat for native wetland plants and birds.
Since 1983 a group of dedicated people have worked to save Travis swamp from encroaching urban development and to set it aside as a nature park.
In 1992 they banded together under the leadership of the late Mrs Anne Flanagan to establish the Travis Wetland Trust. Their goal was to preserve and develop the swamp as a Nature Heritage Park for the education and enjoyment of all.
The Christchurch City Council responded positively to the challenge by purchasing the remaining wetland in 1997.
As well as organising workdays and community planting days the Trust sources funding for boardwalks, facilities and specific projects. They also write submissions on policies, plans and strategies (such as the pest management strategy) pertaining to wetlands.
The main car park and access point for Travis Wetland is at the end of Beach Road, where it intersects with Mairehau and Frosts Road. There are multiple access ways off Mairehau Road and from Clarevale Reserve.
Gate open 8am to 8pm year-round.
To protect locally rare birdlife, dogs are prohibited from being anywhere in Travis Wetland.
Bikes, scooters (electric or manual) and skateboards are prohibited from Travis Wetland.
Travis Wetland offers easy walkways that are wheelchair and pushchair accessible in dry weather conditions.
There are public toilets near the main car park.
The Cache
Children at Waitakari School attend an annual planting day at Travis Wetlands. The cache is hidden close to the tree my year 2 neice McKenzie planted in October 2022
S 43° 29.XXX' E 172° 41.YYY'
XXX = A – B
YYY = C + D
Mobile app smart link
Use your phone's native QR code scanner to open this Adventure in the Adventure Lab® mobile app, or share the following URL:
https://adventurelab.page.link/7gco
