Curious about kindness toward the land? That’s the essence of Atawhai Whenua Reserve. This reserve showcases what dedicated conservation can achieve. We stand at the entrance to Atawhai Whenua Reserve on Waiheke Island. It’s a testament to ecological restoration.
In 1993 Nick and Nettie Johnstone gifted this land to Forest & Bird. Their generosity sparked a transformation. Atawhai Whenua means “a kindness toward the land.” The name reflects the reserve’s guiding principle. This area was once deforested and over-grazed. Now it thrives with native trees and plants.
Let’s explore the three walking tracks within Atawhai Whenua Reserve. These paths range from 10 to 45 minutes. The high tracks boast amazing views. Look out across Matiatia Bay. Notice the walkway network connecting to council-owned land.
Atawhai Whenua Reserve has undergone significant replanting. Over 40000 plants now call this place home. Once a badly eroded hillside it now thrives. Volunteers dedicated countless hours to remove weeds. They cleared the wetland and bush.
The vision was to restore the entire ecotone sequence. This spans from ridge top to the sea. Many broad-leaved and podocarp species thrive here. These are common to Waiheke. Planting continues to ensure the bush prospers.
Keep an eye out for some locals. Kererū are frequently spotted here. Also, listen for the call of the morepork. You might glimpse a tūī or grey warbler. White-faced herons and long-finned eels also reside here. Even harrier hawks and pukeko can be seen.
Atawhai Whenua Reserve is also part of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. This protects wilderness areas. It covers both land and sea.
Notice the memorial sculpture of a kererū. It honors Don Chapple. He led and oversaw the restoration project. His vision shaped Atawhai Whenua Reserve.
Atawhai Whenua Reserve is fortunate. Waiheke Island is free from possums weasels and wild ferrets. This helps protect native species. Two uncommon plants thrive in Atawhai Whenua Reserve. Look for wheki-ponga and water fern. They grow on the wetland margins. Forest & Bird also restored the council-owned wetland. They recreated kahikatea forest. Pukatea maire tawaki and tī kōuka line the margins.
To continue your exploration head towards Oneroa. You can reach several vineyards in Church Bay. This scenic route passes through the reserve. Alternatively walk up Ocean View Road to reach the reserve. Another access point is down from Nick Johnstone Drive in Church Bay.
Remember to clean your shoes. Cleaning stations are at the ferry terminals. This helps keep Waiheke free of kauri dieback.
This walk gets you from Matiatia to Oneroa. It takes you through a shady regenerating forest and wetland. Walk with pīwakawaka and see the achievements of Forest and Bird volunteers.
Atawhai Whenua Reserve stands as a symbol. It embodies kindness stewardship and restoration. As we leave take its lesson to heart. Let’s all strive to be kinder to the land.