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Near the fork of the Pakuratahi and Hutt Rivers you will
find a conifer-broadleaf rainforest typical of the original
vegetation of the Akatarawa and Hutt valleys. Rimu, rata, hinau and
kamahi thrive on the more fertile river flats, with red beech
appearing on the lower slopes. Black beech forest is mostly found
on the higher spurs, ridge tops and areas with poorer soils. An
unusually pure stand of hard beech lies on the terrace above the
junction of Farm Creek and the Pakuratahi River.
These forests also form part of an ecological corridor running
between the Rimutaka and Tararua ranges, linking the Pakuratahi and
Hutt river catchments. Together, the forests, rivers and
variety of bush habitats provide food in abundance for a range of
birds and native fish. Visitors will often see or hear tui, kereru
(NZ pigeon), piwakawaka (fantail), korimako (bellbirds) or miromiro
(tomtits).
Te Marua Bush is an important remnant of matai-totara bush, once
widespread in the region. The Wellington Botanical Society and the
Upper Hutt branch of Royal Forest and Bird have both
helped restore this remnant by preparing species lists,
propagating, growing and planting trees and other vegetation.
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