Pukehinau Reserve Restoration
Kelburn, Wellington

Tucked away in a corner of Aro valley lies Pukehinau reserve. On the doorstep of Waimapihi and Zealandia, it serves as a vital link that connects these famous conservation zones to the rest of Wellington city. Be treated to the cheeky antics of local kaka, oodles of tui and maybe even a tieke or two. Your work will help these manu reclaim their ancestral homes in Wellington city

Pukehinau (Kiwifoot) Reserve is part of the original 1841 Wellington Town Belt. Its location makes it an ideal ‘stepping stone’ for native species between Zealandia, the Botanic Garden and the central city. In 2018 a small group of volunteers started exploring options to regenerate the land and improve its biodiversity and the Kelburn Conservation Network was formed in 2020. 

Despite being neglected for many years, the terrain and location of the reserve makes it an ideal location for regeneration work and progress to date has been rapid.  As an island within an urban setting, the site has suffered from the invasion of pest plants (such as climbing asparagus, sycamore, cherry, old man’s beard, ivy etc) but with a bit of help, including from Zealandia ‘fence hoppers’, we are confident we can turn the tide.

The Network’s mascot is the toutouwai (North Island robin) - which has been regularly spotted in the reserve but struggles to survive outside the protection of Zealandia.  We hope to provide a safe habitat that can support nesting toutouwai populations by 2025.

What to wear/bring: sturdy boots or gumboots, long sleeves and pants, waterproof jacket, a hat/beanie, a drink bottle and some food.

What we provide: gloves, tools, high-vis vests, health & safety briefings, an experienced team leader and training.

Free transport to and from Wellington City Centre is available (contact us to arrange a pick-up).

REGISTRATIONS ESSENTIAL AS PLACES ARE LIMITED.

Email wellington@cvnz.org.nz if you have trouble registering and we can book for you.

COVID-19 update

We are required to keep a record of your contact details for contact tracing. If you have any concerns about Covid-19 procedures, please get in touch.