Environment

While some parts of Queen Elizabeth Park have been altered, the basic system of coastal and inland dunes backed by wetlands remains intact.

Spinifex, pingao and shore bindweed feature amongst the coastal plants, catching the ever-moving sand and slowly building the seaward dunes. Further back the dunes are less vulnerable to sand drift, and support muehlenbeckia, taupata, harakeke (flax) and bracken. Small bush remnants lie between and behind these dunes, with mahoe, kawakawa and kaikomako providing insect habitat and food for birds.

These bush remnants would have once stretched over much of the inland dunes, which are now grassed. The low rolling hills create natural barriers between the streams draining the Akatarawa foothills and the sea. Greater Wellington is working with the community to restore the wetlands and kahikatea forest remnant near MacKays Crossing, enhancing these now rare coastal habitats.

Bird life is varied and plentiful with the wide range of habitats and food sources. Karoro (gulls), kawau (shags) and torea (oystercatchers) find food along the tide line and nest in the adjacent dunes. Tui feed on the flax in the dunes, while the wetlands are home to putangitangi (paradise shelducks), spur-winged plovers and pukeko. You may see piwakawaka (fantail), tauhou (silvereye) and kereru in the bush areas.

You can find out more about the Queen Elizabeth Park environment by downloading the Resource Statement.