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This long, narrow estuary with its wide range of fresh to salty, shallow to deep, and sandy to muddy habitats supports an extremely diverse range of birds, fish, invertebrates and plant life.Location: Located near Napier.
Boundary Stream Mainland Island is home to a number of threatened species including North Island brown kiwi, kākā and kōkako, New Zealand falcon and kererū. Location: It is situated on the eastern flanks of the Maungaharuru Range, about 60 km northwest of Napier.
Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve is home to two gannet colonies managed by DOC. There are spectacular geological cliff formations on the coast to Cape Kidnappers.Location: Cape Kidnappers is southest of Napier on the East Coast of the North Island in the Hawke's Bay region.
Ruahine Forest Park and its neighbouring parks form an almost continuous chain of protected lands along the central North Island ranges. Recreation opportunities include hunting, mountain biking and tracks for both experienced trampers and day walkers.Alert: Be aware of park boundariesLocation: As Ruahine Forest Park is almost 100 kilometres in length it can be accessed from a variety of towns on State Highway 2, including Waipukurau, Dannevirke and Woodville.
Kaweka Forest Park has alpine shrublands, tussock valleys and beech forests. It offers rafting, canoeing, hunting and fishing, hot springs and tramping for both experienced trampers and day walkers. Alert: Alerts have been issued for the Park.Location: Kaweka Forest Park is north-west of Napier.
Otatara Pa Historic Reserve encompasses one of the most outstanding defensive and settlement complexes in New Zealand. Location: Otatara Pa is situated close to Taradale and is signposted clearly. Look out for the palisades on the hill above the Eastern Institute of Technology.
Puketitiri Reserves offer opportunities for walks through regenerating forest and clearings. They exist largely through the efforts of a group of local dedicated conservationists.Location: The reserves are all located at Puketitiri, off Puketitiri Road, one hour's drive from Napier. They are all near Kaweka Forest Park.
Te Angiangi Marine Reserve protects a piece of the central Hawke's Bay coast.Alert: Care required. Cliffs may be unstable due to storm damage in 2011.Location: It is located on the Central Hawke's Bay coast, approximately 30 km east of Waipukurau and Waipawa.
White Pine Bush is a great place for people of all ages and abilities to visit and experience a piece of New Zealand's remaining coastal forest.Location: White Pine Bush is a 20min drive from Napier, travelling north along SH2 towards Wairoa.
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DOC maps: Discover the outdoors - DOC's key places, campsites, tracks and huts, and visitor centres on a map
Check, Clean, Dry between waterways and stop the spread of didymo.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
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