Pukerua Bay Coast Where the wild things are

Facilities Look out Parking Scuba diving* (via track up to SH1) Toilets (along Ocean Parade, Surfing Bird watching Pukerua Bay beach) Fishing* Picnic table Walking tracks (at Pukerua Beach) Dog walking Boating (on leash) Kayaking Swimming

*There is a ban on all fishing methods in Pukerua Bay except hand-held line fishing

Highlight A secluded costal hideaway just off State Highway 2, Pukerua Bay is a great place for beachcombing among rock pools, swimming from the sandy beach or exploring walkways like the Secret Valley.

Description, values & signif icance Pukerua Bay is a unique blend of residential sections tucked into bush. The area was cleared for farming in the 1920’s then urban development in the 1960’s. A significant amount of remnant bush remains that is regionally representative coastal scrubland and the coastal cliffs are dominated by taupata and pohuehue. Several threatened plant species can be found here. The bay lies in the flight path of birds coming to the mainland from Kāpiti Island so is a great spot for bird watching. Accessibility/How to get there/particular time of year to visit Pukerua Bay is a charming coastal village located only 30 minutes drive north of Wellington on State Highway 1. Turn off State Highway 1 at Pukerua Beach Road and follow the road down to Ocean Parade. Threatened species/species of interest The coastal vegetation includes ngaio, kanuka, manuka, mahoe, kohekohe, karaka, kawakawa, and póhutukawa and supports reef heron, kereru, tui, fantail, morepork, silvereye and even grey warblers, kakariki, kaka, NZ falcon and North Island robins. Pukerua Bay is also a breeding ground for native skinks (5 species are found here), little blue penguins, and terns. The coastal zone is a ‘closed for harvest’ marine reserve and ideal habitat for rock lobsters, paua, kina, and other marine life. Key threats Fire, erosion, encroachment, rubbish and garden dumping, eco-vandalism (cutting down trees), and an extensive suite of weeds and pest animals are significant threats for this reserve. There is an active restoration programme and possum and rat control. Póhutukawa are not naturally found this far south, however they have hybridised with the endangered rata, further threatening the species. Walks (length) There are numerous walks to and from Pukerua Bay. Ara Harakeke - the 6 km long walkway between Pukerua Bay and Plimmerton leads through Taupo Swamp, comprised mainly of flaxes and cabbage trees. The walkway is sealed throughout and is shared with cyclists. It is also suitable for one-way walks to Plimmerton, returning to Pukerua Bay by train. Keen walkers can take a 4½ hour trek along the Wairaka Walkway to Wairaka Rock and Plimmerton (6 km). For cyclists, experienced riders can tackle the 10km long coast between Pukerua Bay and Plimmerton by mountain bike. The first section, starting from Pukerua Bay, provides a narrow path, followed by riding along the deserted rocky seashore, and the last third is on gravel road leading to a sealed road from Karehana Bay to Plimmerton. Walks [grade] Protection status Moderate Scientific Reserve Manager Community Involvement Greater Wellington Regional Council, Porirua City Pukerua Bay Residents Association Council and Department of Conservation How to get there

´ !i PUKERUA BAY

OCEAN PARADE

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PUKERUA BEACH ROAD

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