Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Auckland > Waitakeres > Matuku Reserve & Bethells Swamp

Matuku Reserve & Bethells Swamp

Location
In Waitakere Valley, behind Bethells Beach. 101ha owned by Forest and Bird Society. The Matuku Reserve is accessible from the northern side of the swamp; 1km along Jonkers Road from the intersection of Wairere and Horsman Roads. The Bethells swamp can be viewed from Bethells Road or the Matuku Reserve entrance.
Description

Partially protected by the forested hills of Matuku Reserve, the 80ha Te Henga wetland (Bethells Swamp) is the largest relatively unmodified freshwater wetland in the Auckland region. In summer, it is awash with brilliant green raupo with silver rippling across open blue-green ponds. In autumn the green becomes progressively tinged with a rich russet red as the raupo succumbs to winter frosts.

Around 20 hectares of this wetland lies within the Matuku Reserve and can be accessed by a boardwalk. In spring, the metallic duet of fernbird pairs can be heard, while the resounding boom of matuku, the bittern, punctuates the constant whisper of rustling raupo. The vegetated areas are also interesting, for although they look like solid islands and peninsulas, many are in fact floating pontoons of vegetation more than a metre and a half thick.

A platform near the top of the reserve offers expansive views over the forest, wetland and out to coastal headlands. There is a spectacular cliff view down a waterfall valley to lush lowland forest, including a grove of around 200 nikau. A track system offers a choice of walks from one to three hours. These include a 60-metre boardwalk through the wetland and the experience of walking behind a waterfall. Those visiting the reserve on a branch field trip are also able to climb many metres up a ladder to a tree platform high in a puriri tree, where the Entomological Society and Landcare Research carried out a sampling programme for arboreal insects.

Amenities
  • Birds
  • Historical
  • Lookouts
  • Plant Life
  • Tramping
Source
www.forestandbird.org.nz
Discussion
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