Wetland Explore Tour

A two-day conservation journey through the South Wairarapa exploring wetlands, the Ruamāhanga awa and ancient podocarp forests guided by the people restoring them. Two days. A small group experience. One landscape, seen properly, from the marae to the coast, the awa to the ancient forest.

We are excited to be taking bookings for our very first pilot experience on the 28th and 29th November 2026 at the nominal cost of $100. Please note that there will be a focus group session to inform the development of our future tours.

Day 1: Marae to Coast

• 9.30am: Gather at the Green Jersey Depot, 16 Kitchener Street, Martinborough.
• 10.00am: Pōwhiri and morning tea at Hau Ariki Marae.
• Coffee stop at the Land Girl Café.
• Ōkorewa Lagoon: light volunteering activity, view penguin nesting boxes.
• Bus trip to Cape Palliser: lunch at the Pinnacles, ancient gardens, a kekēno (fur seal) colony. A gentle 2km walk.
• 5.00pm: Dinner at the Lake Ferry Hotel (self paid), with music and a singalong with local musician Sam Auger.
• Boggy Pond conservation area (weather permitting): spot and listen for matuku (bittern), spoonbill, spotless crake and other birdlife.
• 8.30pm: Return to accommodation.

Day 2: Farm to Forest to River

• 10.00am: Gather at the Green Jersey Depot.
• Ruamāhanga Farm: a 2.4km wetland walk past Te Reo o te Wai listening posts, created with local tamariki, followed by a hands-on conservation activity and a creative writing session.
• 1.00pm: Picnic lunch in the Waihinga podocarp forest, with a mindful nature-connect or arts-based activity among the trees.
• Riverside walk along the Ruamāhanga Awa: a 3km walk passing through the former Waihinga Pā site.
• Afternoon tea and final reflections above the river.
• 4.30pm: Return to the Green Jersey Depot. Tour finishes.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing (including for an evening at Boggy Pond after dark), sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. A full packing list will be provided on booking.

Book your place: https://app.greenjersey.co.nz/book/PFDJUD

More about the tour: https://wetlandexplore.org.nz