Description: Palustrine wetland complex comprising a fen area that occurs in a shallow depression, a swamp adjacent to a large pond and a smaller area of boggy tussock lands. ³⁵

Type/Class: Fen, Bog and Swamp. ^{2, 35}

Size: 9.6 ha.

Altitude: 280 - 320 m above sea level.

Approximate location: 1.5 km Southwest of the intersection of Hazeldale Road and Owaka Valley Road, Clinton | NZTM (centre point): E1318420 N4867270.

Regional Plan: Water for Otago | Schedule 9 Regionally Significant Wetland, no.59, Map F49.

Territorial Authority: Clutha District Council.

Interactive map of Hazeldale Fens

• The fen, which comprises the northernmost wetland area, is made up mostly of copper tussock with ground cover of Sphagnum cristatum and wire rush (Empodisma minus). Patches of cutty grass/rautahi (Carex coriacea) or leafless rush/wīwī (Juncus gregiflorus) dominate, and pūkio (Carex secta) and mingimingi (Coprosma propinqua) is common. The inter-tussock cover is about 85% native with the remainder mostly pasture grass and the problem weed jointed rush (Juncus articulatus) also present. Other native species present include Pernettya macrostigma, little hard fern (Blechnum penna-marina) and Glen Murray tussock (Carex flagellifera). ³⁵
  
  
• There is moderate trampling damage to the wetland as there is stock access. ³⁵
  
  
• The hydrological integrity of the fen is good with only the lower end having been canalised to increase the width of the water course for freer drainage. ³⁵
  
  
• The fenced off swamp with a large pond, located in the south-eastern corner of the wetland complex, is dominated by copper tussock, leafless rush/wīwī (Juncus gregiflorus) and flax with many individuals of mingimingi (Coprosma propinqua) and cabbage tree. ³⁵

² Ausseil, A.G., Newsome, P., Johnson, P. (2008) Wetland Mapping in the Otago Region. Landcare Research Contract Report prepared for the Otago Regional Council.

³⁵ Kunzea Consultants (2008) Conservation Values Report – Freeholding Kuriwao Leasehold Estate – “Limberlost”. Report prepared for the Otago Regional Council, Dunedin.