Find the latest Otago river water flow and levels on our Environmental Data Portal.
Environmental Data PortalFind the latest Otago river water flow and levels on our Environmental Data Portal.
Description: The wetland complex consists of two large shallow lakes, Waipori (220 ha) and Waihola (640 ha) and an extensive system of lagoons, ponds, vegetated islands, channels and swamps, situated on the lower Taieri Plain, 30 km south-west of Dunedin. Inflows are from the Waipori River, the Meggatburn, Boundary Creek and several man made drains. The wetlands drain into the Waipori River, then into the Taieri River. 1
Type/Class: Swamp. 2
Size:
Altitude: 0 - 20 m above sea level.
Approximate location: West of the intersection of Titri Road and Taieri Plains Highway, Milton. NZTM (centre point): E1375300 N4900600.
Regional Plan: Water for Otago. Schedule 9 Regionally Significant Wetland, no.167, Maps F44 & 45.
Territorial Authority: Dunedin City Council.
Value | Description |
---|---|
A1 | Habitat for nationally or internationally rare or threatened species or communities. Habitat for the threatened Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus), the threatened indigenous fish species the giant kokopu (Galaxias argenteus) and the banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus). Presence of the threatened plant species swamp nettle (Urtica linearifolia) and tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia caespitosa). 1, 2 , 14 |
A3 | High diversity of wetland habitat types. A very high diversity of habitat types (see physical description above). Internationally significant as water bird habitat and nationally important fish habitat.53, 88 The best remaining example of a lowland wetland remaining in Otago and one of the largest and most significant remaining in New Zealand. 1 |
A4 | High degree of wetland naturalness. A high degree of naturalness, notwithstanding drainage activities, and the introduction of exotic species etc. A considerable proportion of the wetland is relatively undisturbed and the plant communities are largely native. A wide variety of native wetland species are present, specifically the native shrubland vegetation, jointed rush communities and back-swamp sedgeland present on the islands of the Waihola River delta. The presence of a sequence of different vegetation types adds to the botanical value. 1, 2, 14 |
A5 | Scarce in Otago in terms of its ecological or physical character. Wetlands of this type and size are scarce in the region and in New Zealand; this has implications for the conservation of species such as the Australasian bittern and the marsh and spotless crakes, which require large contiguous blocks of swampland in order to maintain viable populations. 1 Less than 15% of swamps remain in Otago. 2 |
A6 | Highly valued by Kai Tahu for cultural and spiritual beliefs, values and uses including mahika kai and waahi taoka. The wetlands are of historical and cultural importance to Kai Tahu. A site of mahika kai where eels are traditionally gathered. The wetlands are also highly valued as a source of flax. 1 |
A7 | High diversity of indigenous wetland flora and fauna. A very high diversity of flora and fauna, reflecting the diversity of habitats (above). Fifty five species of birds and twelve species of native fish recorded. Provides habitat for several regionally and locally rare plant and animal species, including the endemic Fernbird (Bowdleria punctata punctata). 1, 14 |
A8 | Regionally significant wetland habitat for waterfowl. Regionally important habitat for waterfowl, with counts of up to 10,000 ducks and swans. A major breeding and moulting site for Black Swan, Paradise Shelduck, Mallard, Grey Duck, Grey Teal, New Zealand shoveller and New Zealand Scaup. 1 |
A9 | Significant hydrological values including maintaining water quality or low flows, or reducing flood flows. Performs a valuable hydrological function. Lakes Waipori and Waihola and associated swamps function as a flood ponding area for the lower Taieri Plain. Also play a significant role in maintaining adjacent watertables and downstream flows in summer via the gradual release of ponded water. 1 |
A2 | No relevant information is currently held by the ORC. |
1 Otago Regional Council (2004) Regional Plan: Water for Otago. Published by the Otago Regional Council, Dunedin.
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.
14 Cromarty, P. and Scott, D.A. (eds.) (1995) A Directory of Wetlands in New Zealand. Published by the Department of Conservation, Wellington.
37 Clutha District Council (1998) Clutha District Plan. Published by the Clutha District Council, Balclutha.
51 Otago Regional Council – Photo Archive.
53 Davis, S.F. (1987) Wetlands of national importance to fisheries. New Zealand freshwater fisheries report no. 90. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Christchurch.