New Zealand Walks
Ship Creek walks in A old swamp forests
Above left: Walking though the forest. Below left: An imformation panel.
t Ship Creek on the South Island’s West Coast there are two short loop walks, as well as access to the stunning coastline, a lookout tower with 360 degree views, picnic tables and toilet facilities. A great place to stop and stretch ones legs on those long West Coast car trips. These Ship Creek walks are possibly one of the best examples of swamp forest that you will come across in New Zealand. Extensive boardwalks allow you to walk on water and get close-up with the kahikatea. Well-designed and presented interpretation panels show the forest and swamp ecology systems and some history of the ‘butter-box’ tree. Located within an ancient kahikatea swamp forest, it gives a glimpse back in time to what much of the West Coast may have looked like prior to human settlement. A lofty lookout tower which can be climbed with ladders gives good views of the coast and the nearby Dune Lake Walk Under the road bridge the track forms a loop and after rain can become part of the swamp. Between July and December the yellow eyed Fiordland crested penguin might be seen in the surf and on the beach as well as Hectors dolphins.
Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk
The Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk is a gentle boardwalk following the slow-flowing Ship Creek Tauparikaka. A creek-side viewpoint allows easy observation of the forest plants and wildlife. The track loops through an area of dense swamp forest where you
6 Walking New Zealand, issue no 279 - 2021
www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz
