Ō Tū Wharekai is one of the best examples of an inter-montane wetland system remaining in New Zealand, and is nationally important for wildlife. It is one of the three sites that make up the national Arawai Kakariki wetland restoration programme.

The area contains a mosaic of diverse wetland habitats including the braided upper Rangitata River and the 12 lakes that make up the Ashburton Lakes.

Nestled amongst high country tussocklands and set against the towering Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, Hakatere Conservation Park, centred on Ō Tū Wharekai, was opened in October 2007.