Banks Peninsula was once a rich mosaic of plant and bird species. The few pockets which survive as reserves give some idea of the lost diversity. Alert: Some areas are closed due to damage from the 22 February 2011 earthquake and June 2011 aftershocks. Location: Banks Peninsula is near Christchurch on the east coast of the South Island. Its many reserves are scattered all over the peninsula.
The Godley Head WWII coastal defence battery sits atop sheer 120 metre-high cliffs. Built in 1939, it is ranked in the top ten New Zealand coastal defence heritage sites. Alert: Godley Head: closed. All walking and mountain biking tracks in this area are closed for inspection. Location: The headland guards the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and is only 30 minutes drive from The Square.
Te Waihora is a shallow, brackish coastal lake, Canterbury's largest and New Zealand's fifth largest, and an internationally important wildlife area. Location: Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere and Kaitorete Spit lie just south-east of Christchurch, South Island, on the way to Banks Peninsula.
Motukarara Conservation Nursery grows Canterbury native plants exclusively. At the nursery you can both buy plants and get information about them and how to grow them. Location: The nursery is situated within the Waihora Domain at Motukarara.
Ōtamahua/Quail Island is an inner harbour island, reached via a short ferry ride from Christchurch. It is Canterbury's largest island but is easily explored in a day. Location: Ōtamahua/Quail Island lies within Lyttelton Harbour/Te Whakaraupō, Christchurch.
Ōtukaikino is a 13 ha freshwater wetland reserve to the north of Christchurch. Location: The reserve is in the north of Christchurch, at the southern end of the northern motorway.
At Pōhatu Marine Reserve, picnicking, swimming, boating, diving and photography are encouraged, as are educational and scientific activities, providing the reserve's plants and wildlife are not disturbed. Location: Pōhatu Marine Reserve is centred on Flea Bay, on the southeast side of Banks Peninsula.
Tucked close against the southern shore off Lyttelton Harbour, Ripapa Island was an ideal site for a Ngāi Tahu fortified pa and, later, a fortress to defend against Russian attacks. Alert: Closed due to earthquake damage Location: Southern shores of Lyttelton Harbour (Whakaraupō), near Christchurch.
With only 2% of wetlands remaining in the Christchurch area, the Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park is a special place to view wildlife. Location: Located near Christchurch.
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