Nestled in the hills between Matarangi and Kūaotunu, the track was conceived by retired residents in 2010. Built entirely by volunteer labour, residents wanted to provide a recreational area with an educational element for the community.
The area has been enhanced with a native tree planting program since 2010 in cooperation with local schools. Over 4,000 trees were planted by 2016.
Wilding pines have been eliminated from 37 ha of the wetland area. Suitable native trees have been planted to attract birds into the growing forest. Trapping of stoats, possums, rats and mice has allowed a remnant population of the endangered fernbird/mātātā to expand dramatically.
The fernbirds live in a 4.5 ha pristine and unmodified wetland in a valley halfway along Rings Beach Loop Track. This area has become the focus for planting and trapping.
There is growing evidence of kiwi in the reserve and kiwi calls have been recorded in recent years.
