about the reserve
Photo above. The beautiful Hinau flowers which appear in November.
  • This 130 acre (53 hectares) native virgin bush reserve is situated just south of Rangiwahia Village in northern Manawatu. 
  • ​The two tracks within this Reserve are not an official Dept of Conservation (DOC) tracks and are used for the purpose of pest-control, but may be walked by the public.
  • It is one of ten top walks within the Manawatu region. 
  • The early settlers left this area of bush untouched, as it was considered an ideal water catchment for the growing village.​
  • ​As a result Rangiwahia has this beautiful treasure, with many magnificent native tree specimens
  • ​Bird life, though not always easy to see, is increasing with the pest-control programme. It also depends on the time of day and food source to what birds are seen.
  •  Do take time to look around at your surroundings, the beautiful tree specimens and listen to the birds. They are more likely to be heard rather than seen.
INTERESTING FACT.......
According to botanist, the late Graham Pritchard, the Reserve has a unique feature where different species of trees grow close together. Eg you will find a rimu, mataī and miro growing within  metres of each other or a rimu, black maire or mataī. Usually it is the same species that will grow in close proximity in a community. 
TREES INCLUDE - 
  • Rimu
  • Miro
  • Matai
  • Black maire
  • White maire
  • Hinau
  • kahikatea
  • Totara
  • Rewarewa
  • Kamahi
  • Northern rata
FIVE SPECIES TREE FERNS - 
  • Black tree fern mamaku
  • Wheki ponga fibrous trunk & skirt
  • Wheki rough tree fern
  • Ponga Silver tree fern
  • Katote Soft tree fern
BIRDS -
  • Tui
  • Fantail pīwakawaka, 
  • Grey warbler riroriro, 
  • Wood pigeon kererū, 
  • Bellbird korimako,
  • Tomtit miromiro 
  • Morepork ruru 
  • NZ Falcon karearea
  • Kingfisher kōtare 
  • Shining cuckoo pīpīwharauroa  
  • Waxeye
  • Chaffinch
  • Eastern rosella
THE STORY BEHIND THE RESERVE-TRACK TREE LABELS 
  • ​There are now 70 trees, including tree ferns and broadleaf varieties labeled along the Reserve track.
  • ​The Rangiwahia Community was awarded a grant by the Fonterra Grass Roots in 2014 to  fund to label native trees within this bush reserve, adding interest to the track and to encourage walkers to observe and engage with their surroundings rather than rushing through. 
  • ​The late Graham Pritchard, a botanist and member of the Botsoccer Society, agreed to help  with this project and his knowledge and meticulous attention to detail, enabled an accurate record of the trees.
  • 68 labels were made by Acorn Botanica Labels in Upper Hutt, and were finally put in place October 2014.
  • They look fantastic and will provide added interest for all, young & old, who walk the track. We are so grateful to The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund for providing the funding for this project.
  • A passionate group of locals have worked hard to restore the access to this gorgeous stand of native bush, as well as marking out the walk. 
THE STORY BEHIND THE RESERVE-LOOKOUT TRACK TREE LABELS
  • ​The Eastern & Central Community Trust awarded the Rangiwahia Community a grant to fund 75 tree labels and 6 hanging labels to be included on the 2nd track.
  • Palmerston North botanists, Suzanne Clark and Allan Hardacre walked the 2nd track with Steve & Mary Bielski identifying  trees and shrubs. 
  • The labels were made by the Acorn Botanica Labels
  • These labels have now been put in place enhancing visitor experience for all generations.