World Wetlands Day events 2012

A number of events are happening in February and March to celebrate wetlands, and to highlight the range of opportunities they provide for people to explore nature and enjoy water-based activities.

Northland

Lake Ngatu

Date: Friday 17 February 2012

Time: 10.00 am to 3.00 pm

Location: Lake Ngatu, 16 km north of Kaitaia

Description: A day of fun activities including snorkelling, kayaking and swimming; freshwater investigation; guided walk, tree planting and weaving.

Contact: Organised by Department of Conservation, Kaitaia Area Office. Contact Carolyn Smith, ph: + 64 9 408 6014.

Auckland

South Kaipara

Date: Saturday 18 February 2012

Time: 10.00 am for 10.30 am talk

Location: Waionui Inlet on Kaipara Harbour, 1 hr drive from Parakai, north of Helensville

Description: Everything you wanted to know about New Zealand shore and wader birds but were afraid to ask! Guest speaker Adrian Riegen and New Zealand Ornithological Society members will be on hand to provide telescopes and help with bird identification.

Contact: Organised by South Kaipara Landcare. Contact Neil, ph +64 9 420 2532 or Greg and Helen +64 9 420 2555.

Waikato

Lake Ngaroto

Date: Sunday 12 February 2012

Time: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Location: Lake Ngaroto, 7 km north of Te Awamutu

Description: An opportunity to have a go at rowing, sailing or fishing under expert guidance; take a guided walk or learn about the cultural history of the site.

Contact: Organised by Waipa District Council. Contact Tony Roxburgh, ph: +64 7 872 0030.

Bay of Plenty

Nukuhou Saltmarsh

Date: Thursday 2 February 2012

Time: 9.30 am and 2.00 pm

Location: Nukuhou Saltmarsh, at the corner of Burke and Wainui Roads, 12 km south-west of Ohope.

Description: Two guided walks from the roadside lookout to the boardwalk beside the saltmarsh and along the walking track to Cheddar Valley Pottery, to learn more about the restoration project.

Contact: Organised by Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group. Contact Stuart Slade, ph +64 7 312 4583.

Taranaki

Lake Rotokare

Date: Sunday 12 February 2012

Time: 10.00 am start time

Location: Lake Rotokare, 12 km from Eltham off Sangster Road.

Description: Guided walk and speakers followed by a barbecue.

Contact: Organised by Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust in partnership with DOC, Taranaki Regional Council and Fish & Game. contact@rotokare.org.nz for more information.

Manawatu

Tangimoana Beach

Date: Saturday 3 March 2012

Time: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

Location: Tangimoana Beach, 16 km south west of Sanson.

Description: Explore the wild, dynamic dunes and wetlands searching for native critters with a DOC ranger. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach and then assist with some of the work being done to help conserve the coast.

Contact: Organised by Department of Conservation, Manawatu Rangitikei Area Office. Contact Kelly Stratford, ph +64 6 350 9708.

Manawatu Estuary

Date: Saturday 3 March 2012

Time: 12.30 pm

Location: Meet at the Holben Reserve in Foxton Beach.

Description: Come and farewell the birds as they leave the Manawatu Estuary on their annual migration. Experts will be on hand to help identify the bird species.

Contact: Organised by the Manawatu Estuary Trust. Contact Joan Leckie, ph: +64 6 368 1277.